Seen in the Spotlight: Krystal Kane on Portraying Daisy’s Truth
With a commanding voice and an instinct for nuance, Krystal Kane steps into the role of Daisy Hilton — one of the famed conjoined twins at the heart of Side Show: The Musical — with both reverence and emotional depth.
Already familiar with the material prior to auditioning, Krystal welcomed the opportunity not just as a challenge, but as a meaningful responsibility. Daisy, often seen as the bolder twin chasing stardom, is brought to life in Krystal’s performance as both fiercely ambitious and quietly fragile. She unpacks Daisy’s search for normalcy — not just fame — and portrays her with a keen sensitivity to the character’s internal contradictions.
Though Krystal didn’t grow up with a sister, her reflections on friendship, vulnerability, and care make her portrayal feel intimate and grounded. Working alongside her onstage twin, Molly Langley, she brings truth and tenderness to this complex role, helping create a Side Show that is personal, powerful, and unforgettable.
What was your first reaction when you found out you’d be playing a conjoined twin?
Having been quite familiar with the material before the audition, I was thrilled to learn that I’d be playing one of the twins. Along with the excitement, I was also genuinely looking forward to the challenge of bringing the conjoined twins to life on stage.
Daisy is known for chasing the spotlight. What do you think she’s really looking for?
Yes, Daisy is chasing the spotlight, but at the core, she simply wants the same opportunities that everyone else has. Because of her condition, she’s been denied any sense of normalcy and unfairly labeled as just another sideshow “freak.” For her, the spotlight isn’t just where she shines — it’s where she truly feels seen and normal.
What part of your character’s story hits closest to home?
What I appreciate most about portraying Daisy Hilton is how her story serves as a powerful reminder of the privilege and purpose of performing. Daisy is a true dreamer — determined, ambitious, and unwilling to give up on what she believes in. Stepping into her shoes has been deeply inspiring and has encouraged me to hold onto my own dreams with the same passion and perseverance.
"Daisy is a true dreamer—determined, ambitious, and unwilling to give up. She reminds me of the privilege and purpose of performing."
Krystal on the purpose of performance
How do you balance Daisy’s confidence with her vulnerability?
Being one-half of the conjoined twins, Daisy has had to toughen up over the years in the face of ridicule and discrimination. What looks like confidence on the surface is really a fragile defense, hiding a vulnerability she rarely lets show. Bringing her to life on stage is a delicate and personal journey — beneath that brave exterior, she’s just as scared and unsure as anyone. It’s in her quiet, unguarded moments, away from the spotlight, that I feel closest to her truth. Although she has many layers to her character, I make sure to balance both sides by fully being in the moment and going back to the truth — whether it be as Daisy the vaudeville star or as Daisy the scared little girl from the sideshow.
What has Side Show taught you about sisterhood?
I didn’t grow up with sisters, so my understanding of sisterhood has come through the meaningful friendships I’ve built with my girl friends over the years. Through those relationships, I’ve come to recognize the quiet strength, deep support, and unspoken connection that sisterhood offers. It’s something truly special, and I feel incredibly grateful to have friends in my life who embody that bond and feel like sisters to me.
How do you and your twin scene partner take care of each other offstage
Molly and I get along great, both onstage and off. In rehearsals, we always make sure to support each other, especially during the tougher, more emotional scenes. We’ve got each other’s backs, ready to give a little push when one of us needs it. I’m really thankful to have someone whose hand I can hold through this journey.
“Through friendships that feel like sisterhood, I’ve come to recognize the quiet strength, deep support, and unspoken connection it offers.”
Krystal on sisterhood and connection
What makes this version of Side Show different?
For our run, we will be presenting the 1997 version of Side Show, which is rooted in the Brechtian theatre style. This approach encourages audiences to engage through critical thinking and social reflection, rather than purely emotional involvement. It gives us the opportunity to explore the material more deeply, using the show not just as entertainment, but as a meaningful platform to highlight the important themes and values it conveys. And this is why I believe our staging will be different.
Why should people come see this show?
Our version of Side Show is like a blank canvas, which makes the process incredibly exciting. As our director, Toff, often says, we’re all “co-creators” of this show. We’ve been working really hard to build the world of Side Show, and I can honestly say it’s going to be something truly special — and definitely worth seeing.
In one word, how would you describe this show?
Relevant.