Jan. 25, 2006 -- The Arkansas State University Theatre in Jonesboro will open the third production of the 2005-2006 season on Friday, Feb. 10, with the Tony Award-winning drama Sideman by Warren Leight.
 
Sideman will be performed in the Drama Theatre at Fowler Center, 201 Olympic Drive. Additional performances are scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 11, and Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 14 and 15, all at 7:30 p.m.

The ASU Theatre production is under the stage direction of Stacy Alley, assistant professor of theatre. Scenic and lighting design will be under the direction of Jeff McLaughlin, assistant professor of theatre. Kelly Schaefer, assistant professor of theatre, will serve as costume designer. Stage management duties for the season opening production have been assigned to Ashlee Wiseman, a junior theatre major from Searcy.

The cast includes Brooklyn Scalzo, a senior theatre major from Memphis as Terry Glimmer; William Rowland, a senior theatre major from Jacksonville as Clifford Glimmer; Paul Harrell, a junior theatre major from Jonesboro as Gene Glimmer; Haley Rose Grisham, a freshman theatre major from Sherwood as Patsy; Ross Willett, a senior theatre major from Jonesboro as Al; Jeremy Bukauskas, a freshman theatre major from Cordova as Ziggy; and Jeremy Smith, a sophomore theatre major from Wynne as Jonesy.

Winner of the 1999 Tony Award for best new play, Sideman is a lovely and poignant memory play, which unfolds through the eyes of Clifford, the only son of Gene, a trumpet player, and Terry, his alcoholic mother. Alternating between the New York City apartment and smoke-filled music club, Clifford narrates the story of his broken family and the decline of jazz.

The production company will be honored with a post-show dessert reception in the lobby following the opening night performance.

Tickets may be purchased (reserved seating) in advance for $7 at the ASU Central Box Office in the Convocation Center or by calling 870-972-ASU1. Reserved seating tickets (if available) may be purchased at the door on the evening of the performance for $9. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.

This play contains adult language and subject matter and is not recommended for audience members under the age of 16. Children under the age of 6 years old will not be admitted.

Please arrive early, as latecomers will not be seated until intermission.