Original Side Man cast member Edie Falco has left Broadway's Tony winning Best Play for an "indefinite hiatus," according to production spokesperson Susan Chicone. During the past months, Falco has not only continued her role with Side Man but was also featured in two television series: "The Sopranos" and "Oz" (both on HBO).

Chicone told PBOL (July 15), "With 'The Sopranos' taping during the day and doing the show at night, it's become a little too much. When Edie was shooting 'Oz,' it was different because the show is done in New York. But they shoot a lot of 'The Sopranos' on location in New Jersey, and it just became a little too much." Angela Torn, who has been understudying the role of "Terry" since the beginning will take over for Falco, with Marissa Matrone taking over Torn's part. Though Falco originated the role when the play premiered at NYC's Classic Stage Company, she didn't make the transfer to The Roundabout and was replaced by Wendy Makkena. Falco rejoined the cast Jan. 8, 1999.

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In other Side Man news -- former Brat-Packer Andrew McCarthy will take over the role of Clifford in the Tony Award-winning Best Play, Side Man, July 19. Current Clifford, Scott Wolf (TV's "Party of Five") will play his last performance on July 17.

McCarthy, known for such films as "Mannequin," "Weekend at Bernie's," "Pretty in Pink" and "St. Elmo's Fire" was generally acknowledged as a member of "The Brat Pack" -- a group of teen actors in the 1980s who all starred in John Hughes-helmed films like "The Breakfast Club," "Weird Science," and "Pretty in Pink." Other Brat Pack members included Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Anthony Michael Hall and Jon Cryer.

McCarthy recently starred in Horton Foote's The Death of Papa at Hartford Stage, replacing the previously-announced Matthew Broderick when he pulled out to accompany Night Must Fall into a commercial run. McCarthy also previously appeared in The Boys of Winter on Broadway. Adding McCarthy marks the third time in its long run that Side Man has opted to bring in a young-generation star to perk up box office receipts. When the show moved from The Roundabout to its current home at The John Golden Theatre, Christian Slater was brought in to play Clarence.

The show plans to continue its open run and is currently selling tickets through October. Much of this comes thanks to a big box-office boost that usually accompanies the winning of a major Tony Award like "Best Play."

Warren Leight's jazz-based drama celebrated its one year anniversary March 3, with all the original cast on board. The show tells of a man's love of jazz ruining his marriage -- and his wife's sanity.

Since its opening at Off-Broadway's Classic Stage Company, the production has seen numerous changes including cast and venues. The drama began its New York life at CSC March 3, 1998, before its move to the Roundabout and eventual move to Broadway's John Golden Theatre.

For ticket information on Side Man at Broadway's John Golden Theatre, call (212) 239-6200.