Runs Nov 8 – Nov 24, 2024

Written by: Warren Leight
Directed by: Carol Dennis
Sponsor: Lane Forest Products

Side Man is being presented as a multimedia radio drama. Actors at the mics, scripts in hand, music and sound effects – playing the story like a tight jazz ensemble.

Flashing back and forth between 1953 and 1985, this loving and poignant memory play unfolds through the eyes of Clifford, the only son of Gene, an almost famous jazz trumpet player, and Terry, a young woman swept up into Gene’s world of drugs and alcohol. Clifford narrates the story of his broken family, trying to make sense of it all, finally finding his way to forgiveness.

As Clifford reflects on his past, audiences will hear the voices in his memories, with glimpses of the sights and sounds he can remember. The set allows the audiences to see the rooms where it all happened, projections will take us to the streets, basements, and backrooms of Clifford’s life, and a full soundscape gives us, not just the music he was raised with, but the sounds of New York City, the jazz clubs his father played in, and the crashing of their lives on the living room furniture. 

Presented on: VLT Main Stage
7:30pm performance time, except for Sunday (2:00pm)

This show contains mature, adult language and themes, including a mention of suicide. Not appropriate for all audiences.