Everything You Need to Know about the Musical Side Show

In a nutshell, that's exactly what Side Show is all about. Set against the backdrop of the 1930s freak show circus circuit, this musical follows the real-life conjoined Hilton twins, Violet and Daisy, as they rise to fame, from main attractions in a circus freak show to headliners in vaudeville. All is well, but Violet and Daisy have differing ideas of their ideal life, with one longing for normalcy and the other clinging to fame. However, since they're quite literally joined at the hip, achieving the life they dream of is more complicated than it should be. 

Alongside the twins are a set of sideshow freaks—er, entertainers like the bearded lady, the geek, and the Cannibal King. These so-called "outsiders" are constantly objectified for profit by the cunning and manipulative ringmaster, Boss. 

But if you think this musical is just a parade of oddities, you're sorely mistaken. At its core, Side Show is a tale about humanity, love, dreaming, and finding and accepting your true self, even if that's not the easiest thing to do. It is for this reason—and for its killer songs—that in 1998, this musical was nominated for several Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Book in a Musical. Its original run went on to do a total of 91 performances until it closed. It was revisited and revived in 2014, which bagged an Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Musical.

The Philippine staging is directed by Toff de Venecia with Ejay Yatco serving as musical director. Working with de Venecia and Yatco are Mark Dalacat as assistant director and set designer, Carlos Siongco as costume designer, Gabo Tolentino as lighting designer, JM Cabling as choreographer, and Colin Dancel as photographer.

Alternating in the role of the conjoined twins, Violet and Daisy Hilton, are powerhouse

pairs Tanya Manalang and Marynor Madamesila, and Krystal Kane and Molly Langley. Unsure who is who? Same. Production has done a great job in matching Manalang and Madamesila, Kane and Langley not only in terms of their physical appearance but in their complementing singing styles perfect for their roles. 

Tanya Manalang is an award-winning performer known for playing Kim in Miss Saigon on the West End and originating the role of Joy in Ang Huling El Bimbo. She has starred in numerous local productions, including The Sound of Music, The King and I, Rak of Aegis, tick, tick… Boom!, and All Out of Love. 

Krystal Kane and Marynor Madamesila alternate as Daisy Hilton in Side Show, each bringing their own take to the bold, bright, and outgoing twin.

Krystal Kane has been performing professionally since age 10, with credits in The Sound of Music, Spring Awakening, and Once On This Island. 

Reb Atadero and CJ Navato take turns playing Terry Connor in Side Show, each bringing their own take to the charismatic and calculated role.

Atadero is a Gawad Buhay Awardee best known for his performance as Michael in tick, tick… Boom!, with acclaimed turns in The Graduate, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Ang Huling El Bimbo, Lungs, and Little Shop of Horrors. He also has his own history educational vlog and podcast  BOOM! Now We Know!.

Vien King and Tim Pavino alternate as Buddy Foster in Side Show, each bringing impressive vocals and emotional range to the role.

King is a multi-awarded performer, was named Best Actor by both Gawad Buhay and the LEAF Awards for his role in Passion, and has appeared in acclaimed productions like Rama Hari, tick, tick… Boom!, and Liwanag Sa Dilim The Musical. He’s also made waves internationally when he performed for Disney in Concert and The Jet Theaters across Asia. 

Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Bituing Walang Ningning, and Ako si Josephine. Outside

of theater, Jon is one of the mainstay judges of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.

Ong is a Gawad Buhay Awardee for his role in Sweeney Todd and has starred in productions like I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, The Sound of Music, and Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang. He’s also a singer-songwriter with two albums under Viva Records, one of which went gold and earned him an Aliw Award nomination.

Completing the company are the ensemble members who are set to take the stage as the

sideshow curiosities: Arion Sanchez, Chan Rabutazo, Fay Castro, Daniel Wesley, Ian

Hermogenes, Mikee Baskiñas, Pamela Imperial, Pappel, Raflesia Bravo, Red Nuestro,

Reine Paisley, and Rhap Salazar.

For group purchases, you can also get tickets directly from the different official showbuyers for Side Show. Check out the details and contact information in this post from The Sandbox Collective.