Side Show

book and lyrics by Bill Russell
music by Henry Krieger

February/March 2006
The Gallery Players, Brooklyn, NY
First NYC Revival

Producer: Robin Mishik-Jett
Director: Matt Schicker
Choreographer: Joe Barros
Musical Director: Cindy Gerlach
Set Design: Joe Trainor
Lighting Design: Kevin Hardy
Costume Design: Melanie Swersey
Casting: Kerry Watterson
Production Stage Manager: Norva Bennett

Cast: Amazon, Emily Battles, Jeff Bush, William Cabrera, Lorraine Cink, Anthony Christian Daniel, Jonathan Brian Furedy*, Kathryn Gerhardt*, Tauren Hagans, Greg Horton*, Dennis Lue*, Adam MacLean, Jimmy Nelson*, Suzanne Pilzer, Rockit, Kristen Sergeant*, Melvin Shambry, Traci Skoldberg*, Tiffany Diane Smith, Matt Witten*, Christopher Yee, and Minami Yusui.
*Member, Actors’ Equity Association

What I’m Most Proud of: I admit that I didn’t love this musical before I began working on it, but I did have strong ideas about how it should be done. It also was my first through-sung show, which was an interesting challenge. I feel I rose to the challenge of this very difficult piece, with the help of my production team.

I added professional side show freaks (Rockit and Amazon of The Disgraceland Family Freak Show) to the opening scenes, which brought a real feeling of authenticity.

The two leading actresses had very distinct, very different personas and vocal styles, which I felt emphasized the fact that these were two different women forced to live at each other’s sides by nature.

I added a glimpse of the sisters’ future in Hollywood to the end, and by bringing “The Boss” back as movie director Tod Browning at the end brought things full circle in a very dark, disturbing way.

Reviews and Quotes:

“The Gallery Players presented Side Show with obvious love and professionalism. The story is clearly told and there are many moving moments. The musical values are excellent and the choreography sparkles with inventiveness. My gratitude to all involved for their care and dedication.”
Bill Russell, author of the book and lyrics to Side Show

“Central to the show…are the twins, and director Matt Schicker has helmed an earnest production that smartly puts Daisy and Violet’s humanity at the forefront. The action unfurls at a brisk, heady speed, carrying the audience along with the twins on their turbulent whirlwind adventure toward realizing their dreams.”
Off-Off Online

“Director Matt Schicker and choreographer Joe Barros have done a splendid job re-creating the tacky/glorious milieu of that great American entertainment form in its decline…the show biz scenes all fizz and sparkle with exuberance and style. Schicker and Barros have made the show’s opening into a discomfiting voyeur’s paradise…Schicker has put two authentic “freaks” on stage…they do thinks like hammer things up their noses and suspend bowling balls from their earlobes. It all makes for a dazzling opening, and one that evokes the seedy, sad, disreputable environment from which we can only root for Daisy and Violet to escape….Schicker uses the intimate space to maximum effect, and the show moves smoothly and quickly through numerous scenes…undeniably enjoyable and highly professional.”
Martin Denton, nytheatre.com

“The Gallery Players’ production [of Side Show], directed by Matt Schicker, delivers a show that will please both newcomers and established enthusiasts alike. From the live band and diverse choreography to the winning performances of Tiffany Diane Smith and Kristen Sergeant as the Hilton twins, this long-time Brooklyn troupe is sure to boost the musical’s popularity.”
The Brooklyn Eagle

“Schicker has a great sense of the absurd and the sensitivity to make the absurd poignant….it’s riveting.”
New York Theatre Wire

“The Gallery Players production was a much more rewarding show than to be expected based on the failed Broadway run….Matt Schicker directed a smooth production, utilizing Joseph Trainor’s set of rolling sideshow panels to good effect and herding the ensemble through some crowded sequences with style….For a big musical produced on a shoestring, this was a terrific event, especially as it served to showcase a great group of young talent.”
Off-Off Broadway Review

More Photos:

(l to r) Greg Horton as The Boss and Melvin Shambry as Jake

(l to r) Tiffany Diane Smith as Daisy, Kristen Sergeant as Violet, and Greg Horton as The Boss

(l to r) Jimmy Nelson as Buddy and Matt Witten as Terry

(l to r) Matt Witten as Terry, Tiffany Diane Smith as Daisy, and Kristen Sergeant as Violet

“We Share Everything”

The New Year’s Eve Scene

“Tunnel of Love”

The cast and crew with lyricist and bookwriter Bill Russell following a performance