A staged reading of Side Man will be performed as a selection in Sierra Madre Playhouses ongoing Off the Page series of play readings.The story: Set in 1953 and traveling to 1985, this lovely and poignant memory play unfolds through the eyes of Clifford, the only son of Gene, a jazz trumpet player, and Terry, an alcoholic mother. alternating between their New York City apartment and a smoke-filled music club, Clifford narrates the story of his broken family and the decline of jazz as popular entertainment. Clifford recalls the key moments in his life, such as the day when he, fresh out of college, picked up his first unemployment check and was congratulated by Gene and his band mates. Gene's music career on the big band circuit ultimately crumbles with the advent of Elvis and rock-n-roll. Terry begs him to get a nine-to-five job to support the family, but Gene refuses to enter the "straight world" of regular paychecks, mortgages and security. For Gene, who knows jazz better than his own son, music is not just a job; it's his life. their marriage slowly dissolves and young Clifford is witness to it all. as things worsen, Clifford assumes the role of parent and throws the hopeless Gene out of his mother's apartment. When an adult Clifford visits Gene in a rundown jazz club after years of separation, he requests that the old man play his mother's favorite song, the old standard "Why Was I Born?"Written by Warren Leight. Directed by Richard Van Slyke.
Videos
JOHN LLOYD YOUNG
Irvine Barclay Theatre (11/2 - 11/2) | ||
It's All Your Fault, Tyler Price!
The Hudson Theatre (11/7 - 12/15) | ||
MOMologues The Musical
The Pico (11/14 - 11/15) | ||
Strauss' Heroic Journey
Walt Disney Concert Hall (11/8 - 11/10) | ||
Angels In America
The Actors Company (11/8 - 11/17) LIMITED TICKETS REMAIN
PHOTOS
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Murder on the Links
International City Theatre (10/16 - 11/3) | ||
Void Decryption ERROR
Highways Performance Space (11/1 - 11/2) | ||
Anatomy of Gray
Mira Costa High School (11/8 - 11/16) | ||
Día de Los Muertos with Dudamel
Walt Disney Concert Hall (11/1 - 11/3) | ||
Romeo and Juliet
LA Opera (11/2 - 11/23) | ||
The Great Yes, The Great No
Bram Goldsmith Theater at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts (2/5 - 2/8) | ||
Schumann & Brahms
Walt Disney Concert Hall (1/9 - 1/11) | ||
Pasadena Symphony: Beethoven Pastoral Symphony
Ambassador Auditorium (5/3 - 5/3) | ||
The Civil Twilight
Broadwater Studio Theatre (10/16 - 11/24) | ||
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