Dallas Review: “Side Show” at the Firehouse Theatre
Shawn Stalter, Chief Dallas/Ft. Worth Critic
Firehouse Theatre’s production of “Side Show” crafts an evocative and uniquely-immersive theatrical experience for audiences. Under the direction of Linda Leonard, the talented cast aptly explores this heart-wrenching tale of love and deceit inspired by the true-life story of conjoined twin performers, Violet and Daisy Hilton.
Although literally joined at the hip, the Hilton sisters nonetheless carved out a niche as successful performers in 1930’s America. Initially billed as a carnival attraction alongside other “freaks,” the sisters leveraged their vocal talent to break through boundaries and perform in the era’s Vaudeville circuit. Ultimately though, the emotional and engaging struggle highlighted in “Side Show” offers universal messages of the need for love, freedom and acceptance which ring true for us all.
As Violet and Daisy Hilton, Katie Moyes Williams and Bethany Lorentzen crafted a connection that transcended their physical attachment. Together, they combined onstage chemistry and synchronicity, complemented by exceptional vocal talents, to yield a powerful performance for both of their distinct characters. Their costuming was appropriately balanced to indicate their conjoined nature without making it a distraction or restricting freedom of movement.
The Hilton sisters were far from the only talent to grace the Firehouse Stage in “Side Show.” Director Linda Leonard filled the production with a robust menagerie of unique characters which helped tell this story and construct Violet and Daisy’s strange and complex world. Roles including Alissa McCaffrey’s “Fortune Teller,” Logan Broker’s “Half Man/Half Woman,” Delaney Brown’s “Venus De Milo,” and many others gave nuanced and well-rounded performances to round out this show.
Jack Carolan mesmerized all in attendance with a remarkable delivery of “Houdini.” His melodic tone and altitudinous vocal range infused his character with an imaginative vividness that commanded the audience’s undivided attention. Another standout performance came from the sister’s bodyguard, friend and confidante, “Jake,” performed by Ausben Jordan. His rich and captivating vocal stylings, coupled with his engaging, dynamic stage presence, yielded a stellar portrayal of his character’s plight.
All told, the cast and crew of Firehouse Theatre’s production of “Side Show” (PG-13) constructed an entertaining, robust and endearing show. This one is sure to delight DFW-area audiences with its beautiful message of acceptance, kindness and inclusion for all.
SIDE SHOW
“Side Show” at Firehouse Theatre, directed and choreographed by Linda Leonard, stars Bethany Lorentzen as “Daisy Hilton,” and Katie Moyes Williams as “Violet Hilton” and features Kris Allen as “Terry,” Matthew James Anderson in the role of “Buddy,” Ausben Jordan as “Jake,” Dan Servetnick as “Sir,” Malik Offor as the “Three-Legged Man,” Alissa McCaffrey as the “Fortune Teller,” Trent Mosty as “Geek,” De’Andrea Roberson in the role of the “Bearded Lady,” Delaney Brown playing “Venus De Milo,” Jack Carolan in the roles of “Houdini and Dog Boy,” Logan Broker as “Half Man/Half Woman,” Amanda Durbin as the “Sword Swallower,” Jai Lynn Sovereign as the “Tattoo Girl/Fire Breather,” Trace Hughes as “Pin Cushion,” Tre’mon Estes as the “Lizard Man,” Alvaro Carranza as a “Folk Dancer/Roustabout,” Kelsey Ward as a “Folk Dancer/Roustabout,” Sarah Floyd as “Dolly Dimples,” Adam Seirafi as “Ray/Roustabout,” and Amy Cave as “Auntie/Roustabout.” Music direction is courtesy of Kelly Poche-Rodriguez, Set and Lighting Design from Bryan S. Douglas and Sound Design from Michael Marbry.
Be sure to grab your ticket for one of the few “Side Show” performances remaining and learn more about Firehouse Theatre’s upcoming productions by visiting them at thefirehousetheatre.com.
Photo Credit: Jason Anderson - Pendleton Photography