Performing Arts roundup

by Joey Kaplan

The performing arts department has been busy. The choir and string players performed at Legacy Village on December 12. The dancers performed at Ring Around the Rose on December 14 and then put on the last of two shows for the Winter Dance Concert later that same night.

The cast and crew of Side Show is back in rehearsals to prepare for an upcoming remount, doing two more shows in January. Our actors will display their talents during the annual Utah Theatre Association conference which will be held at Judge this year on January 17 at 7pm and again on January 18 at 2pm.

The musical’s first run was very successful this fall. Based on a true story, Sideshow is about conjoined twins, Daisy and Violet Hilton, and their lives. The musical explores their time in an abusive freak show and their pathway to fame.

“My role is Ray in the musical,” Jack Libin said. “I can relate to him because he’s just a sort of an ordinary guy trying his hardest in the world, especially in the 1920s, where there’s lots of ableism, racism and sexism. He’s trying to overcome societal barriers.” 

When asked if acting has benefited him outside theater, Will Lin, who plays Sir, said, “Acting really does help with self confidence. When you’re acting as a different person. It really teaches you empathy and how to act towards other people. And knowing how to act as an actor really teaches you a lot about being a person, just in general.”

Side Show examines themes of acceptance and love, but also touches on the horrors of the freak shows that used to be popular in the early half of the 20th Century. 

Gillian Mozdy, who played Daisy Hilton, commented on the meaning of the play. “I think the play as a whole is about like what they call freaks and outcasts and society. I think it’s about trying to find that love for yourself and love for other people.”