by Celia Sharpe

 

Warren Light's memoir play, "Side Man", uses every cliche in the book including the nostalgia of the big band era, the dysfunctinal family of an uninterested father and neglected mother, and the funny and tragic memory of a son which all leads to reckless behavior and failed dreams. In the hands of the Keegan Theatre and the perfect venue of the Church Street Theatre, this fragile story slowly wends its way with anonymous musicians to an ending so vividly exciting that it draws applause for the actors and the people whose lives are depicted. Chris Stezin is excellent as the mellow son, Clifford, who tells the story in his remembered imagination. Amy McWilliams, as the mother Terry, is believable in her mood swings from shy to outrageous. Kevin Adams plays Gene, the horn playing father who never seems to understand what is going on yet feels things intensely. The musician pals, Scott Graham, Eric Lucas and Jake Call, are superb as is their all time girl, Patsy, played by Charlotte Akin, who changes from a young sexy much married waitress to an old wise woman. This 1999 Tony award winning play was well served by the wonderful Keegan resident company.