by Britty Johnson
The fall season is upon us, and the UWG Department of Theatre is kicking it off with a new production. “Side Show,” with book and lyrics by Bill Russell and music by Henry Krieger, is a poignant tale based on a true story of two conjoined twins growing up and performing in circus sideshows in the 1930s, which led to their stardom.
The musical explores the exceptional bond between family and friends and measures the harsh reality of being physically different. The touching story and toe-tapping music of “Side Show” takes you behind the scenes of the lives of traveling performers.
Director Adriano Cabral expressed his excitement for the production.
“I am most excited for the discussions to follow this production,” he said. “I hope to hear people asking questions, sharing their points of view, and investigating their own circumstances. What happens on the stage will be a fun and virtuosic display of theatrical form, but what happens afterwards is the reward I truly yearn for.”
Adriano sees “Side Show” not only as a performance taking place on stage, but also as a conversation that audience members are engaged in. “By presenting this story, I hope to remind the audience that we are still participating in this practice at this time. We cast judgment on those who are different from us, and the media feeds this desire to ‘display’ those that are different.”
“Side Show” features Abagail Dawkins, Taylor Bahin, David Wilkerson, Kenya White, Bryan Jones, and an assortment of oddities. The production will run from October 7-10 at 7:30 p.m. and October 10-11 at 2:30 p.m. at the Townsend Center for the Performing Arts Main Stage. There will also be a community preview on October 6 at 7:30 p.m. for a discounted ticket price of $3. Tickets for all other performances are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, or free with UWG student ID. For more ticket information, call 678-839-4772.
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