Wed 7/8-Sat 7/18
Porthouse Theatre on the Blossom Music Center grounds kicks off its 2026 season with a play that’s not exactly frothy and fun. Side Show, with book and lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger, is based on a true story about Siamese twins from England, Violet and Daisy, who became a major sideshow attraction during the Depression, earning attention from Hollywood and appearing in the 1932 movie Freaks. It humanizes two women people came to gawk at, sharing their hopes, fears and disappointments.
The show, which debuted on Broadway in 1997, closed after a short run; a 2014 Broadway revival had an even shorter run. Porthouse’s version is called Side Show: In Concert, a musical adaptation by Emma Butler. While the show’s songs aren’t extremely well known, they are beautifully written and powerful, and this staging, directed by Porthouse’s Producing Artistic Director Terri J. Kent, will focus on them. Raquel Teare will support the cast as conductor and keyboard accompanist.
The show runs through Saturday July 18. Get tickets here.