Northlight Theatre
North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie
Tickets: 847-673-6300
Through July 2
I wonder if Siamese twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, the Freak-show attractions that later became stars in vaudeville, ever thought they would have a musical written about them? If they could listen to Henry Krieger's music for Side Show and see the current production at Northlight, I think they would be honored.
The sleeper hit of the 1997 Broadway Season, Side Show ran three months, earned four Tony nominations, and had an extremely loyal fan base. Side Show tells the story of real-life Siamese twins Daisy and Violet Hilton (Susie McMonagle and Kristen Behrendt respectively). They begin the show as the main attraction in a freak-show, run by a domineering Boss (Jonathan Weir). Into the freak-show come song and dance man Buddy Foster (Sam Samuelson) and vaudeville producer Terry Connor (James Moye). The two of them work on getting the twins out of the freak-show and into vaudeville. As Daisy and Violet gain notoriety, romance blooms between Violet and Buddy, and a wedding is planned. Daisy is in love with Terry, but he is unable to admit his love for her. Meanwhile, Jake, the freak-show Cannibal King who travels with the twins on the vaudeville circuit, grows angrier at the exploitation of the twins, mostly because of his unrequited love for Violet.
Director Joe Leonardo has scaled down the show, but has increased the impact. Staging Side Show in the intimate three quarter round Northlight space brings every member of the audience closer to the show, increasing its impact. This is especially true in the opening number, in which the actors, all seated at extreme downstage on benches, turn to the audience and sing the opening number, "Come Look at the Freaks." After the opening number, you know this will be no ordinary musical. Good thing. Leonardo stages the show well, using the semicircular circus-like space to its best advantage. Because of the twins being constantly joined you will notice, however, that you will get to know one of the twins better than the other during the course of the show. The interesting thing about Side Show is that you learn that in one way or another, we are all freaks.
The deceptively simple scenery, by Tom Ryan and the circus-colorful lighting, by Michael Philippi, are perfect complements to the show. Marc Robin's choreography is perfect - funny when it needs to be, beautiful at times, and always appropriate. Musical director Jeff Lewis should also be acknowledged for his contribution to a show that is mostly music. He has crafted a good singing ensemble, especially those in the leading roles.
Kristen Behrendt gives a heartbreaking performance as Violet, the twin that wants to marry and settle down. Ms. Behrendt (who was the Broadway standby for Violet, and has also played Daisy on the West Coast) has a marvelous singing voice and an undeniable stage presence. Susie McMonagle's Daisy is also heartbreaking in her unrequited love for Terry. She too sings marvelously. James Moye is delightfully aloof as Terry, and Sam Samuelson's Buddy is wonderfully opportunistic. Nikkieli DeMone gives a powerhouse performance as Jake. His "You Should Be Loved" is one of the highlights of the show.
Let's hope that Northlight can continue producing quality shows next season like they have this season. Come look at the freaks. Side Show deserves to be seen.
