Harold Wheeler 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.

The all-new original Broadway cast recording of Side Show debuted this week at #1 on Billboard's Cast Albums Chart.

With the tagline "It Will Never Leave You," the much anticipated Broadway revival of SIDE SHOW closed at the St. James Theatre faster than most expected it to. Spanning 26 tracks and totaling 1 hour and 19 minutes worth of music, SIDE SHOW (Original 2014 Broadway Cast Recording) is an album that is sure to be stuck with you!

Artistic Director Mark Clements announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2015/16 Season last night to an enthusiastic group of Rep Subscribers and Donors.

Artistic Director Mark Clements announced Milwaukee Repertory Theater's 2015/16 Season this evening to an enthusiastic group of Rep Subscribers and Donors.

The critically-lauded, dazzling new production of Side Show will be recorded for posterity on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 for the Lincoln Center Library was announced today. It was previously announced that Side Show will play its final performance on January 4th, 2014.

On Saturday, November 1st, TV personality Rosie O'Donnell and wife Michelle Rounds visited the revival of Broadway's SIDE SHOW, now playing at the St James Theater.

The upcoming Broadway reimagining of Side Show, featuring leading ladies Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, begins performances next week at the St. James Theatre - and today, the production has solidified its day-of rush policy.

In a first listen below, SIDE SHOW's Erin Davie and Emily Padgett perform the production's beloved showstopper 'I Will Never Leave You.' The music from Side Show is written by Tony®, Academy® Award nominee and Grammy Award Winning composer Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls) and Tony® Award nominated lyricist Bill Russell, with orchestrations by Tony® Award winner Harold Wheeler, with musical direction by Sam Davis. Check it out!

The upcoming Broadway reimagining of Side Show, featuring leading ladies Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, opens on Broadway this fall, with a revised book and lyrics are by Bill Russell, with music by Henry Krieger, and additional book material by Bill Condon. Musical direction and arrangements are by Sam Davis (Dreamgirls at the Apollo), orchestrations are by six time Tony Award nominee Harold Wheeler, (Hairspray, Dreamgirls, The Wiz); and choreography is by Tony and Olivier Award nominee Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia). Since its inception, Jack Tantleff has serviced as Creative Supervisor. Below, check out photos of the marquee at the St. James Theatre!

The all-new Broadway cast recording of Side Show will be released on Broadway Records in early 2015, producers announced today.

For the first time recorded, hear this exclusive 'first listen' of the stars of Side Show, Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, perform the rousing and emotional Act I finale, 'Who Will Love Me As I Am?', from the critically-lauded reimagining of the musical Side Show with this First Listen opportunity. The music from Side Show is written by Tony®, Academy® Award nominee and Grammy Award Winning composer Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls) and Tony® Award nominated lyricist Bill Russell, with orchestrations by Tony® Award winner Harold Wheeler, with musical direction by Sam Davis.

The complete Broadway cast for the critically-lauded reimagining of the musical Side Show has been announced. Under the direction of Academy Award winning director Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls, Twilight Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2), making his theatrical debut, Side Show will begin previews performances at Broadway's St. James Theatre on Tuesday, October 28 with an official Opening Night on Monday, November 17.

The upcoming Broadway reimagining of Side Show, featuring leading ladies Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, opens on Broadway this fall. Side Show is inspired by the remarkable true story of the Hilton twins, Daisy and Violet, who were legends in their time and the highest paid performers on the vaudeville circuit. Side Show is their heartwarming search for first love and acceptance amidst the spectacle of fame and scrutiny under the spotlight. Mr.Condon's vivid production of Side Show seamlessly blends the worlds of carnival, vaudeville, and Hollywood glamour. The cast and creative team met the press for a special even last night and BroadwayWorld brings you photo coverage from the festivities below!

The upcoming Broadway reimagining of SIDE SHOW, featuring leading ladies Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, opens on Broadway this fall. Below, check out photos of the marquee that just went up at the St. James Theatre. Tonight, the marquee lights will be dimmed in honor of the legendary Joan Rivers.

The upcoming Broadway reimagining of SIDE SHOW revealed the production's key artwork last month, featuring leading ladies Erin Davie and Emily Padgett. Directed by Academy Award-winner Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls, Twilight Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2), who will be making his theatrical directorial debut with the production, Side Show opens on Broadway this fall. Go behind the scenes at the photo shoot below!

The producers of the upcoming Broadway reimagining of Side Show have revealed the production's alluring poster artwork, that features a portrait of leading ladies Erin Davie and Emily Padgett, and captures the show's blend of vintage show business with the uniquely cinematic aesthetic that comes from the vision of Academy Award® winner Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls, Twilight Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2). As previously announced, Mr. Condon is making his theatrical debut as director of Side Show, which opens on Broadway, this fall.

Making his Broadway debut, Director and Academy Award® winner Bill Condon (Chicago, Dreamgirls, Twilight Breaking Dawn Parts 1 & 2) just announced his creative 'dream team' behind the look and feel of his critically-lauded reimagining of the musical Side Show which opens on Broadway this fall.

Members of the cast of Broadway's LENNON, including Will Chase, Chuck Cooper, Marcy Harriell, Chad Kimball and Michael Potts reunited at New York's newest hot spot 54 Below last night.

It was the great Marcus Garvey who said 'Be as proud of your race today as our fathers were in days of yore. We have beautiful history, and we shall create another in the future that will astonish the world.'