Bleacher Bums

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Bleacher Bums is a 1977 play written collaboratively by members of Chicago's Organic Theater Company, from an idea by actor Joe Mantegna. Its original Chicago production was directed by Stuart Gordon. A 1979 performance of the play was taped for PBS television; in 2002 a made-for-TV movie adaptation was produced.

[edit] Plot

Bleacher Bums takes place in the bleachers of Chicago's Wrigley Field. The characters are a bunch of Chicago Cubs fans, watching a game in progress on a summer afternoon. Most of them have been gathering here for some time and know each other, even if they might not necessarily like or tolerate each other. Beer is being drunk, hot dogs are being eaten, and friendly wagers start to take on increasing importance. Dennis Franz really stands out, a working class guy who dreams of just having enough money to take his wife out to his favorite upscale restaurant, the House of Sweden.

[edit] Cast

Mantegna and Dennis Franz starred in the original production; other cast members over the years have included Dennis Farina, Gary Sandy, and George Wendt. The 2002 TV movie version starred Brad Garrett, Wayne Knight, and Hal Sparks.

[edit] External links

• Bleacher Bums (1979) at the Internet Movie Database
• Bleacher Bums (2002) at the Internet Movie Database
• Play's success still amazes Mantegna
• Bleacher Bums book listing, ISBN 978-0573605765.