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  • 1.  Know anything about Sideshow, the musical?

    Posted 07-29-2015 16:45

    Sam French sendssuch limited perusal material,  it's hard to figure out difficulty level.  Anyone have experience with this one?   Trouble? 

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    Cindy Baker
    Larkspur CO
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  • 2.  RE: Know anything about Sideshow, the musical?

    Posted 07-30-2015 09:05

    While, I haven't done the SIDESHOW, I was fortunate enough to see the most recent revival before its short lived run on Broadway.  It is a gorgeous show with two very strong leads who are on stage (and hooked together) for probably 90% of the show.  They also danced while hooked together, so you need two versatile ladies who can harmonize while doing more than the star step.  The ensemble can have a blast with their characters.  Tech-wise, it doesn't have to be a set heavy show, but it could be a costumer's nightmare.  I'll hazard a guess and say it's for an advanced group. 

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    Marilynn Zeljeznjak
    Blacksburg VA
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  • 3.  RE: Know anything about Sideshow, the musical?

    Posted 07-31-2015 11:53

    We presented Side Show about 10 years ago. It is a challenging piece that my students grew to love a great deal. It was well received by our audience but not especially well attended.

    Be sure your music staff is prepared to present a sung-through show.

    Also be prepared to be creative in simplifying scenic elements. There are many scenes in the show that do not repeat. Suggested scenery can be very effective.

    I have fond memories of working on the show with my students. Let me know if you have any other questions.

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    Mark A Zimmerman
    Theatre Director
    Akron School for the Arts
    Akron Public Schools
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Know anything about Sideshow, the musical?

    Posted 07-30-2015 10:19

    Great show.  It's almost entirely sung through so the difficulty level is high in terms of stamina- and goodness the two lead ladies have to have strong belts.  Musically I don't remember it being crazy hard with harmonies - mainly because most of it is sung by the lead characters.  Haven't seen the revised version or know even if it's available but the original is certainly workable and can be conceived to make the many locations doable.   Storyline is pretty palatable - the Tunnel of Love song is a bit mature since it deals with the whole notion of the logistics of conjoined twins having intimate relations, and show itself is quite dark/dramatic in terms of its atmosphere.  I love it - but after failing twice on Broadway it appears it isn't everyone's cup of tea! Hope that helps.

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    Brandon Becker
    Denver CO
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  • 5.  RE:Know anything about Sideshow, the musical?

    Posted 07-30-2015 11:03
    Did a selection from it last year and it is definitely difficult. As others said, it is sung through and the vocals are pretty demanding. If you have the singers, it can be a beautiful piece to do. It's also pretty heavy in content. My kids found the whole story incredibly sad.

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    Heather Brandon
    Bakersfield CA
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  • 6.  RE: Know anything about Sideshow, the musical?

    Posted 07-30-2015 22:07

    Hi Cindy,

    I just directed, produced, costumed and directed the vocalists for this show.  We went up last May.  What would you like to know?  In answer to the questions below, the music is quite difficult, tight harmonies for the ensemble.  Matching vocal styles, vibrato and blended tone for the twins was a challenge, but my girls are excellent musicians with good control, so that helped a lot. They were also accomplished and trained dancers, which was instrumental for the dance numbers, but it doesn't have to be as complicated as we made it.  I would consider my group mostly advanced students, with a few of them intermediate.  I wouldn't have attempted the show without having a strong group of performers.  Anything else you want to know? 

    If you'd like to see a short clip of my girls at an awards show check this link at the 1:43:15 mark : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui-MimfUK50

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    Shileah Corey
    Mountlake Terrace WA
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