‘Side Show’ musical casts a probing look on ‘the freaks’

The Sandbox Collective presents the Tony-nominated musical about conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who became vaudeville stars during the Great Depression

MANILA, Philippines – How does one dream, love, live, if one doesn’t fall within what society considers beautiful, conventional, normal? And what does society owe people that aren’t the apple of its eye?

These are questions that come up when you watch Side Show, a Tony-nominated musical about the conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, who went from being circus sideshow attractions to becoming stars of the American vaudeville scene in the 1920s and ’30s, during the Great Depression.

The show is based on the true story of the Hilton sisters’ extraordinary yet costly rise to stardom, and its painful consequences on their personal lives. Despite their fame and considerable fortune, many people never saw them as anything more than circus “freaks.” The show tackles the issues of prejudice and exclusion, which, unfortunately, remain relevant today.

Cast members Marynor Madamesila, Reb Atadero, and Joshua Cabiladas sit down with Rappler to talk about The Sandbox Collective’s brand new production of Side Show the Musical, which runs at the Power Mac Spotlight Blackbox Theater at Ayala Malls Circuit Makati until August 17, 2025. Catch the Rappler Talk episode starting 7 pm on Wednesday, August 6. – Rappler.com