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
“TEACHER TRIBUTE” during 2023 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
Nominate a beloved teacher or education worker for a “Teacher Tribute” during our 2022 IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO!
Press Center
Read articles and releases about our programming and events.
THE BLUEST EYE
Join us for the inaugural book “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.
2023 Dead Ringers for Dead Singers
Join us for our annual costume party fundraiser. All proceeds go towards artists’ salaries and fees during Season 38.