School of Theatre and Dance Brings Side Show to Kent State

Tony-nominated musical based on true story of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton

Conjoined twins Daisy (Rebecca Rand) and Violet (Lindsay
Simon) Hilton seek love, acceptance, fame and fortune on
the dark road from a side show to vaudeville to Hollywood.

(Photo credit: Joni Koneval)

Kent State University’s School of Theatre and Dance continues its 2015-2016 season with the Tony Award-nominated musical Side Show. The production runs Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 15, in E. Turner Stump Theatre, located in the Center for the Performing Arts at 1325 Theatre Drive on the Kent Campus.

Directed by Kent State Assistant Professor Amy Fritsche, Side Show follows the journey of conjoined twins Violet and Daisy Hilton as they seek love and acceptance on the dark road from a side show to vaudeville and eventually to Hollywood. With book and lyrics by Bill Russell, music by Henry Krieger, vocal and dance arrangements by David Chase and orchestrations by Harold Wheeler, Side Show is a moving portrait of fame at the height of the Great Depression.

The production and design team includes music direction by Associate Professor Jonathan Swoboda, choreography by Assistant Professor Courtney Brown, scenic design by Terry Martin, technical direction by Associate Professor Steve Pauna, lighting design by Yu (Leo) Lei, costume design by Kerry McCarthy and sound design by Assistant Professor Nicholas Drashner. Hannah Graham serves as production stage manager.

Side Show premiered on Broadway in 1997 featuring Kent State alumna Alice Ripley (BFA ’85) in the role of Violet Hilton. Ripley was nominated for 1998 Tony and Drama Desk awards for her portrayal.

For tickets, call 330-672-ARTS (2787), purchase online at www.kent.edu/theatredance or in person at the Performing Arts Box Office located in the Roe Green Center lobby of the Center for the Performing Arts. The box office is open Monday – Friday, noon-5 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for Kent State alumni, faculty and staff, $14 for seniors (60+), and tickets are $10 for non-Kent State students age 18 and under. Tickets are free for full-time, Kent Campus undergraduate students. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets for $12 per person. Flex pass subscriptions also are available. The box office accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, check and cash.