SIDE MAN
Season 29: “Lost and Sound”
Side Man tells the heartbreaking story of a splintered family as told through 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. To explore more about Side Man, read our playguide and our director statement.
PERFORMANCE INFO
This performance must close May 24th.
- Thursday: 7:30pm
- Friday: 7:30pm
- Saturday: 7:30pm
- Sunday: 2:30pm
Special Note: Additional performances on 5/16 and 5/23 at 3:00pm ONLY.
Location: Greenhouse Theater Center at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Ticket Price: $19 – $49
Town Halls: We offer free post-show events on Sundays (May 3-17).
- May 3 – Psychology of a sideman
- May 10 – Discussion with a musician from Chicago Jazz Orchestra
- May 17 – Meet the cast of Side Man
ARTISTS
Cast: Michael Ehlers (Gene), Kate Buddeke* (Terry), Michael Mahler* (Clifford), Joe Foust* (Jonesy), Ed Kross* (Ziggy), John Gawlik (Al),& Gail Rastorfer (Patsy).
Production: Warren Leight (playwright), Jonathan Berry (director), Sarah E. Ross* (scenic), Heather Gilbert (lights), Emily McConnell (costumes), Rick Sims (sound), Christopher Neville* (properties), Jerico Bleu (dramaturg), Ellen Willett (production manager), Michael Trudeau (technical director), & Brian Claggett (master electrician), & Jonathan Nook (stage manager)
*American Blues Theater Ensemble and Artistic Affiliates
COMMUNITY SERVICE
We are proud to collaborate with Merit School of Music, Chicago Jazz Orchestra, and Adler University. We also continue our PINK PREVIEWS. Proceeds from our Preview performances will be donated to the Lynn Sage Foundation for breast cancer research.
More Information on Side Man
Exec. Artistic Director’s Note for IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
For many of you, attending our production is a family tradition. For others, we’re thrilled to share this story for the first time in our own special, heartfelt way.
Backstage Guide for 2025 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! & Additional Resources
Insider look at IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE – read interviews, see designs, & learn more about the production.
2025 BRAVERY BULLETIN
Accepting nominations for the 2025 Bravery Bulletin!
2025 IT’S A WONDERFUL PARTY!
Join us for our annual holiday party. Beats your office shindig and your aunt’s homemade cheeseball. All proceeds go towards artists’ wages.



