“Side Show”

Bill Russell (Book & Lyrics); Henry Krieger (Music);

Bill Condon (Additional Book Material)

With much critical acclaim and yet two failed attempts in winning a Broadway audience (1997 and 2014, with major reworking in between), Side Show may have a troubled White Way history but has time and again thrived in numerous regional productions across the Continent (including its record-breaking, first regional run at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley in 1998).  After all, what is there not to like in this intriguing bioplay that now Foothill Musical Theatre stages once again for the Bay Area audience?  Bill Russell (book and lyrics) and Henry Krieger (music) bring to full life the Hilton twins who rose to widespread fame during the 1920s and ‘30s in a musical packed with catchy lyrics, hummable tunes, and jaw-dropping anthems.  

Rating: 5 E

Side Showcontinues through March 19 in production by Foothill Musical Theatre I the Lohman Theatre, Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills.  Tickets are available at https://foothill.edu/theatre/or by calling 650-327-1200.

Photo Credit: Dave Allen