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There’s a reason you probably don’t know the names Bill Russell and Henry Krieger, and if you do, it’s probably not because of their work on “Side Show,” the musical that opened Friday night in Hauck Auditorium. Though the plot, based on a true story, is both endearing and saddening, the score is certainly not Krieger’s best, and Russell’s work on the book is lacking.
The story revolves around the lives of Violet and Daisy Hilton, Siamese twins in the 1930s working for a sideshow. They weave their way through awkward love and sibling rivalry to the top of show biz, only to be sidetracked by tabloids and gawkers. Audience members hoping for a happy ending will not receive one – sorry.
The original production, which opened on Broadway in 1997, was received glowingly by critics but closed after only 98 shows. Perhaps it was the hard-to-find plot that left audiences flummoxed, or the somewhat preachy subtext on the state of American voyeurism, seen today in reality television and gossip rags such as the National Enquirer. With the opportunity for both good drama and easy laughs wasted, “Side Show” quickly turns dull at moments.
Despite the debatable merits of the musical itself, the work of the actors shines. The singing is in tune, though it sometimes lacks proper enunciation. The opening song, “Come Look at the Freaks,” is capably sung by the entire cast. In fact, almost all the tunes sung by the full cast come off particularly nicely, with note to “The Devil You Know.” The duets by fourth-year Abby Coulter and first-year Hannah Kramer, playing the Hilton twins, are bursting with energy and the singers have an obvious connection. Their numbers “We Share Everything” and “One Plus One Equals Three,” which they sing with Buddy (second-year Adam Blais), are the most enjoyable in the show.
The problem with the music is not in the performance. The pit band plays concisely, led admirably by music director Daniel Williams, despite sometimes covering the singers. However, the score, composed by Krieger, is predictable and harmonically uninteresting. A recurring theme, when executed soundly (think “West Side Story”) is intriguing, but when executed poorly (think umpteenth reprise) becomes boring.
Not that there aren’t interesting and well-conceived numbers. As mentioned before, “We Share Everything” (almost “Chicago”-esque) and “One Plus One Equals Three” are devoid of the pitfalls making numbers such as “Buddy Kissed Me” so bland. The opening song of Act 2, in conjunction with the enjoyable production values, is perhaps the high point of the show. The lighting, especially, is ably coordinated and pleasing. The modest set is effective, and scene changes move smoothly because of its simplicity.
“Side Show” provides a good night out, and the cast and crew do a laudable job. Patrons hoping for a more comedic, intriguing or musically pleasing show might be best served to wait until the next School of Performing Arts production, whatever that might be.
“Side Show” will be performed on Friday, Feb. 20 and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
Bangor Daily News