A collection of mutated-looking people takes over the Studio Theatre at Cal State Long Beach, as the University Players present “Side Show.”
The musical is about the fictionalized story of real-life conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton and their life adventure circus freaks and vaudeville circuit of the 1930s.
The University Players cast of undergrads has the audience applauding and cheering after their opening musical number, “Come Look at the Freaks,” where they introduce themselves and their unique differences labeled by society. Attractions, like the comedic bearded lady (Lindsey Sapia), the slithering reptile man (Johnathan Wong), and the group of dancing gypsies, transform the theater into a live circus.
The long, white sheets draping from the high ceiling resemble the inside of a circus tent. The stage has a red metallic bleacher set that is almost tall enough to touch the ceiling and sits on a powerful set of wheels, which allows the company to spin the set as if it were a giant swiveling office chair. The opposite side of the bleacher set has two revolving doors that are strong enough to withstand cast members running through them, but thin enough to allow a silhouette to appear when the stage lights shine through them.
Although the Hilton sisters, Daisy (Jessica Louise Garcia) and Violet (Grace Byeon), dress alike and have similar features, the two are incredibly diverse, with different life dreams and opposite personalities. Daisy is extroverted and wishes for fame and popularity. Garcia portrays Daisy as a confident performer, with her bright smile and flirtatious eyes. Violet is timid, and dreams of normality with a husband and a family. Byeon resembles the quiet sister who hides from the spotlight as she constantly avoids eye contact with other characters and frowns at the thought of performing.
The boss of the circus (Jared Pugh) has a snarling attitude and exploits her performers, especially the Hilton sisters, for their freakish qualities. He treats them like slave workers by threatening the loss of their jobs, something everyone feared during the Great Depression. Pugh shows the craziness of a circus leader with his evil laughs and intimidating facial expressions.
The conjoined sisters are protected from outsiders by the cannibal king, a black worker named Jake (Ryan Harris), who is secretly in love with Violet, but fears rejection since he is shunned by society. His love and care for both of the girls is shown through his powerful singing, filled with floods of emotion.
Talent searcher Terry Connor (Eric Larson) agrees to see this amazing conjoined twins act, with his partner Buddy Foster (Brendan Quirk), and is immediately intrigued once he sets his eyes on the friendly twin, Daisy. As Daisy slowly falls for Terry’s assertive presence and handsome demeanor, Violet tries to hide her attraction for Buddy.
With realistic circus costumes, designed by Stephanie Dunbar, and an intense gypsy dance-off, choreographed by Brian Moe, the show is visually stimulating with a unique attraction in every corner of the stage.
“Side Show” will run for eight performances, closing on Saturday, March 24. Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., with a matinee March 24 at 2 p.m. This production is in the Studio Theatre on the CSULB South Campus, accessible via West Campus Drive. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $12 for seniors and students (with valid ID). For tickets and information, visit csulb.edu/dept/theatre.
