Combo will jazz up production

'Side Man' is about a musician and the waning days of the Big Band Jazz era.
YOUNGSTOWN -- A student jazz combo has been formed to provide live music at Youngstown State University Theater performances of the Broadway play "Side Man," beginning Thursday.
"Side Man" is a Tony Award-winning show about the private life of a jazz musician who feels his livelihood slipping away as he deals with family demands and the increasing influence of rock 'n' roll music in the world.
The story takes place from 1953 to 1985 and is told from the point of view of Clifford, played by Alexi Stavrou of Boardman. He is the son of Gene (Brent Whetstone of Warren), a jazz trumpet player, and Terry (Noelle Nackino of Boardman), who is an alcoholic. Gene's friends include Jonesy (Shaun Brown of Vienna), Al (Richard Bell of Austintown), Ziggy (Gary Shackleford of Round Hill, Va.) and Patsy (Alecia Sarkis of Boardman).
The story moves from the family's New York apartment to the smoky Melody Lounge where Gene and his friends perform.
Music director
Dr. Kent Engelhardt, coordinator of jazz studies at YSU, will direct players Jason Clark of Poland on bass, Mark Gosiewski of Canton on trumpet, Kyle Farrell of Mentor on drums, and Randy Bibri of Cranberry Township, Pa., on piano. They will play various jazz classics.
The show's director is Dennis Henneman.
Performances are in Spotlight Arena Theater, Bliss Hall. Show times are 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 3 p.m. Sunday; 8 p.m. Oct. 15-16; and 3 p.m. Oct. 17. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, free for YSU students with valid identification and $5 for senior citizens, students and others with YSU or Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber affiliations. Call (330) 941-3105 for information or to make reservations.