BWW Reviews: BLEACHER BUMS Bring The Joy of Cubs Games to Theatre Harrisburg

"Do they still play the blues in Chicago when baseball season rolls around? When the snow melts away, do the Cubbies still play in their ivy-covered burial ground? When I was a boy they were my pride and joy, but now they only bring fatigue to the home of the brave, the land of the free, and the doormat of the National League." Steve Goodman's anthem to the dedication of Cubs fans everywhere, "A Dying Cub Fan's Last Request," pokes fun at the legendary losers of Major League Baseball while illustrating the fanatical dedication of their fans to "Da Cubs".

The short play BLEACHER BUMS does the same, while also noting those fans' willingness to make book on anything from the point spread to the number of seats filled. Joe Mantegna's and Organic Theatre Company's tale of a day game at Wrigley Field has the same love for the Cubs as any of Steve Goodman's Cubs songs, and just as much of a wink at Cubs fans. Yes, by the way - it's that Joe Mantegna; he and Dennis Franz were, once upon a time, members of Chicago's Organic Theatre Company improv troupe. Mantegna had an idea, no doubt after watching fans in the cheap seats, to make them the subject of a show, and so the show was written in 1977. It's been updated twice since then - the Cubs haven't done any better since then, but more recent team members and opposing players have been inserted. Should those lovable losers actually win a Series again, there's no telling what revisions may have to be done to this show.

BLEACHER BUMS is currently being played at Krevsky Field - er, the Krevsky Center - by the team of Theatre Harrisburg, with Dan Burke as general manager (that's "director" for those of you who don't speak baseball). As the sports fans enter the bleachers, the concessionaires call out with popcorn, peanuts, and beer - whoops, soft drinks, sorry - and the spectators (this means you) rise for the National Anthem. And yes, there is a seventh-inning stretch. With the obligatory sing-along. But aside from these interactive events, the real focus is on the upper bleachers across from you, where a motley crew of long-time Cubs fans, of varying shades of sports and team knowledge and gambling savvy are bickering and betting.

Greg, who's blind and listens to the game on a portable radio while hanging out with his acquaintances, knows every possible rhyming cheer for the various Cubs; he's played by local music veteran Glen Smith. Decker is the guy who looks like he's cut out of work to make the game, pulling off his jacket and rolling up his shirt sleeves. He's played by Rob Kopko, with some real feeling for the part. They're joined by Zigowski, the guy who just should not be there with his newly cashed paycheck, played by longterm Theatre Harrisburg veteran Ray Enders. His wife Rose, who will eventually find him there, is Beth McIntosh. Marvin, the veteran gambler who'd rather bet than cheer the Cubs on, is brought to life by Bob York, and he's clearly not as devoted to Chi as are the others. Richie, played by Brandon Fuller, is the nerd who wants to be part of the cool crowd, a sports fan without understanding who wants to bet without understanding that, either. Fuller does a remarkable job of making Brandon feel alive and slightly unlikeable, while at the same time sympathetic, but don't watch his Brandon eat a frosty malt unless you're made of stern stuff.

Miranda Baldys plays Melody King, the woman just out for a nice day at the game, unaware that she's walked into "Mars Needs Women" territory as the male fans' testosterone levels start rising to nearly the levels of the "Go, Cubs, go!" chants alongside their betting, while McIntosh's Rose is the would-be scold who finds herself sucked into the game alongside her husband - who has apparently never noticed that Rose knows the team and the stats better than he does.

And then there's that guy. You know that guy - the one with the whistles, the foam hands, the one who paints his body in team colors. The one who's likely, after a few beers, to throw himself into the stadium from the bleachers to body-block the opposing pitcher. That guy. That guy, nameless but unforgettable, is played by Colin York with all of the energy that that weird guy in the stands actually has. You may have an affection for guys like Decker or for Zig or for Greg, or you may sympathize with Melody about being hit on - but Mr. Cheerleader here is the one you'll remember when you leave the game. It's a home run for Colin York.

There's little plot here, other than a losing Cubs game to which the bleacher bums are reacting, and the question of who's winning or losing, or occasionally canceling, bets. There doesn't really need to be that much - it's a day at the ballpark, and this is a slice of its life. This is a show about people, relying on a great cast to bring it alive. That, it's certainly got. And, of course, the Cubs.

"Baseball time is here again; you can catch it all on WGN. So stamp your feet and clap your hands - Chicago Cubs got the greatest fans." So sang the psalmist of the Cubs, Steve Goodman, and so it is true, at least in BLEACHER BUMS.

The home team's playing at Krevsky Field through September 15; starting lineup is Miranda Baldys, Glen Smith, Ray Enders, Ron Kopko, Brandon Fuller, Bob York and Colin York, Beth McIntosh, and Anthony Ariano, with Lily Peifer and Alex Winnick alternating as the kid in the stands. For tickets, both day games and night games, call 717-214-ARTS or visit www.theatreharrisburg.org.

Photo courtesy of Theatre Harrisburg

(Steve Goodman quotes in tribute to Clarice Liinch Rogers, one of America's great baseball fans.)

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