“Side Show” Takes Center Stage

The musical, which tells the story of Daisy and Violet Hilton, conjoined twins who became famous vaudeville stage performers in the 1930s, was directed and choreographed by Department of Performing Arts faculty member Jason Reiff. In addition to powerful performances by the cast of students – which included two middle school students – the show featured an impressive set and a live orchestra.

 

Annie Rubinson ’20, who played Violet, explained that playing the role of a conjoined twin was rewarding, difficult and eye-opening. “In the beginning, it was really frustrating,” she explained, referring to the physical attachment that she and Ariana Copland ’20, who played Daisy, had to imitate throughout the show. “It just makes you think, ‘If it’s frustrating for me to do this for two hours, I can’t imagine what it must be like to live like that for every second of your life.’” 

 

Reiff was thrilled to see the performers deeply connect with their characters, and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the cast and crew bring the unique story of the Hilton twins to life. “I loved watching our community hang on every twist and turn in the story of a pair of conjoined twins who lived in a different time and place but whose story remains vital, relevant and instructive for us all right now.” Thanks to the incredible work of the cast and crew, Reiff is confident that the musical has a number of new fans.