Toff de Venecia’s bold vision for ‘Side Show’

In “Side Show,” now playing under Sandbox Collective’s daring and evocative staging, director Toff de Venecia revives more than just a cult classic musical — he resurrects a story of identity, visibility, and shared humanity, breathing new life into the tale of conjoined twins Daisy and Violet Hilton. The result is both haunting and heartfelt, a theatrical experience that lingers long after the curtain call.

- NIGHT OWL ANNA MAE YU LAMENTILLO

Set against the backdrop of 1930s vaudeville and the fringes of showbiz, “Side Show” follows the lives of the Hilton sisters as they rise from sideshow curiosities to celebrated performers, all while navigating the painful realities of love, autonomy, and exploitation. While the musical's themes remain timeless, De Venecia’s direction grounds the show in fresh urgency and unexpected intimacy.

This production marks a significant moment for De Venecia — a full-circle return to the very first musical he directed solo back in 2010. Coming off the heels of “Little Shop of Horrors” last year, “Side Show” feels like a natural, if deeply personal, evolution of his theatrical voice. “It’s really almost like a full-circle moment,” De Venecia shares. “This show is special to me.”