Colin Funk News

The opening number of the newly revised SIDE SHOW invites audiences to 'Come Look at the Freaks.' In doing so, however, the musical really prepares spectators to look upon the circus attractions in the show with empathy rather than alienation and astonishment. With this intimate production from Porchlight Music Theatre led by Artistic Director Michael Weber, the Chicago premiere of the 2014 revision of SIDE SHOW (seen on Broadway last season) brings the humanity of the show's characters to the forefront. While I enjoyed the Broadway revival of SIDE SHOW at the nearly 2,000 seat St. James Theatre, I also felt that it put me at a distance from the action onstage. The show had a pervading eeriness to it. But with Porchlight's production, audiences are able to come close to the conjoined Hilton sisters - the result is highly entertaining, with a strong dash of pathos and emotional resonance.

Porchlight Music Theatre presents the first production in its 2015 - 2016 season, SIDE SHOW, directed by Porchlight artistic director Michael Weber, music direction by Aaron Benham, choreography by Andrew Waters, music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Bill Russell, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. The show has been extended through Sunday, Oct. 25. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Porchlight Music Theatre's first production of its 2015 - 2016 season will be Side Show, running tonight, September 11, through October 18, directed by Porchlight Music Theatre artistic director Michael Weber, music direction by Aaron Benham, choreography by Andrew Waters, music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Bill Russell, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the stars in costume!

Porchlight Music Theatre is proud to announce the first production in its 2015 - 2016 season: Side Show, directed by Porchlight Music Theatre artistic director Michael Weber, music direction by Aaron Benham, choreography by Andrew Waters, music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Bill Russell, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave., has been extend through Sunday, Oct. 25.

Porchlight Music Theatre launches its 2015-16 season with SIDE SHOW, running September 11 - October 18, directed by Porchlight Music Theatre artistic director Michael Weber with music direction by Aaron Benham, choreography by Andrew Waters, music by Henry Krieger, and book & lyrics by Bill Russell, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Previews will run Friday, Sept. 11 at 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12 at 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 14 7:30 p.m. The opening night is Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in costume below!

Porchlight Music Theatre's first production of its 2015 - 2016 season will be Side Show, running September 11 - October 18, directed by Porchlight Music Theatre artistic director Michael Weber, music direction by Aaron Benham, choreography by Andrew Waters, music by Henry Krieger, book and lyrics by Bill Russell, at Stage 773, 1225 W. Belmont Ave. Scroll down for a sneak peek at the stars in costume!

Exciting news just in to BroadwayWorld!  Michael Weber, artistic director of Porchlight Music Theatre, has announced the casts of the Chicago premiere of the 2014 revision of Side Show, the return of Porchlight's hit Ain't Misbehavin', multi-Jeff Award-winner Summer Naomi Smart starring in the Chicago premiere of Far From Heaven, and Porchlight Music Theatre's 2015 - 2016 artistic leadership for its four Mainstage productions.