Directed by Academy Award winner Bill Condon, who made his Broadway directorial debut with the production, the musical officially opened Nov. 17, 2014, following previews that began Oct. 28. Despite enthusiastic reviews from critics, the musical closed Jan. 4 after only 20 previews and 56 regular performances.
Side Show has a score by Tony nominee Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Tony nominee Bill Russell and additional book material by Condon.
The 26-track album, which is already selling strong in pre-sales, will be available in-stores and digitally Feb. 17. The album features new material, as well as songs cut from the original 1997 staging that were later incorporated into the recent Broadway production. Also featured is the bonus track "Side Show."
The bonus track was written for the original 1997 production but never used. It was later reinstated for the revival's premiere in La Jolla, but again excised when the production arrived at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The song, which occurs late in Act Two, reflects Daisy's apprehension about Violet's wedding and subsequent honeymoon. Composer lyricist Krieger accompanies Davie and Padgett on the special track.
Listen to "Come Look at the Freaks," featuring new musical passages and lyrics, below:
In addition to Emily Padgett and Erin Davie as Daisy and Violet, the cast included Matthew Hydzik as Buddy Foster, Robert Joy as Sir, Ryan Silverman as Terry Connor and David St. Louis as Jake with Brandon Bieber as the 3 Legged Man, Matthew Patrick Davis as the Geek, Charity Angel Dawson as the Fortune Teller, Lauren Elder as the Venus di Milo, Javier Ignacio as the Dog Boy, Jordanna James as the World’s Tiniest Woman, Kelvin Moon Loh as the Half-Man Half-Woman, Barrett Martin as the Human Pin Cushion, Don Richard as the Reptile Man, Blair Ross as the Bearded Lady, Hannah Shankman as the Tattoo Girl, Josh Walker as the World’s Tiniest Man, Con O’Shea-Creal, Derek Hanson and DeLaney Westfall.
Condon’s new production, according to press notes, "reimagines the world of Side Show, set against the backdrop of 1920’s and 30’s show business that seamlessly blends the worlds of carnival, vaudeville, and Hollywood glamour."
The musical is inspired by the "remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, who were legends in their time and the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Side Show is their heartwarming search for first love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight."
The original Broadway production of Side Show opened on Oct. 16, 1997, and was directed by Robert Longbottom. The production starred Alice Ripley, Emily Skinner, Ken Jennings, Norm Lewis, Jeff McCarthy and Hugh Panaro. It ran for 91 performances and received four Tony nominations, including a shared nomination for co-stars Ripley and Skinner, the only time in Tony history where two people were co-nominated for the Best Actress award.
The track listing follows:
. Come Look at the Freaks
2. I'm Daisy, I'm Violet
3. Like Everyone Else
4. Very Well-Connected
5. What Brought Him Here?
6. The Devil You Know
7. A Private Exclusive Show
8. Typical Girls Next Door
9. You Should Thank Me Every Day
10. Cut Them Apart
11. All in the Mind
12. Come See a New Land
13. Feelings You've Got To Hide
14. Say Goodbye to the Sideshow
15. Ready to Play
16. The Interview
17. Buddy Kissed Me
18. Who Will Love Me As I Am?
19. Stuck With You/Leave Me Alone
20. Private Conversation
21. One Plus One Equals Three
22. You Should Be Loved
23. Great Wedding Show
24. I Will Never Leave You
25. Finale
26. Side Show (Bonus Track)
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