Play Suggestions: Play to do with Carnivals, Freak Shows, 1890ish

Print Page | Close Window

Play to do with Carnivals, Freak Shows, 1890ish

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
Forum Discription: Need help finding a show that's right for your theater? Ask here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=2296
Printed Date: 11/29/24 at 7:39pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Play to do with Carnivals, Freak Shows, 1890ish

Posted By: neilfortin
Subject: Play to do with Carnivals, Freak Shows, 1890ish
Date Posted: 3/09/07 at 2:54pm

Hi, we are a local community theater wanting to do a halloween show that centers around the Victorian freak shows and circuses during the turn of the century. Any ideas would be awesome!

-------------
Community Theater makes us smile

Replies:

Posted By: teridtiger
Date Posted: 3/09/07 at 4:02pm

The only one I can think of is a musical - "Side Show". About a pair of Siamese twins in the Depression: http://www.broadwaymusicalhome.com/shows/sideshow.htm - http://www.broadwaymusicalhome.com/shows/sideshow.htm

The rights are available through Samuel French: http://www.samuelfrench.com/store/product_info.php/products_id/2755?osCsid=bbd91d6245472ccb7d414498d7871f78 - http://www.samuelfrench.com/store/product_info.php/products_id/2755?osCsid=bbd91d6245472ccb7d414498d7871f78

Synopsis: Based on the true story of Siamese twins Violet and Daisy Hilton who became stars during the Depression, Side Show is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. Told almost entirely in song, the show follows their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie Freaks.

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 3/12/07 at 8:46am

well, LOL, there is "The Elephant Man" and "Barnum"

also a turn of the century Russian play that takes place in a circus (though the freaks are not the leads), "He Who Gets Slapped"

it's interestng how few plays have been written about circus' and sideshows, considering how popular they are!

Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 3/12/07 at 8:26pm

Look at 'Jack the Ripper' which is in a setting of the 'Steam Packet' Music Hall.

great fun & can be as much 'Kensington Gore' as you like, while having a touch of good old panto!;-

http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsP/pember-ron.html#27429 - http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsP/pember-ron.html#27429
No circus but definatly an 'aside show'.

-------------
Joe
Western Gondawandaland
turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
May you always play
to a full house}

Posted By: neilfortin
Date Posted: 3/13/07 at 9:39am

Thanks everyone I will check all of these out! We want it to have the feeling of "The Prestige" with some great stage tricks!

-------------
Community Theater makes us smile