Theater Review: ‘Bleacher Bums’

CHICAGO—This has been one heck of an exciting baseball year for Chicago and, with that in mind, the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is presenting “Bleacher Bums,” a show that takes us back to the 1970s and the craziness that existed at the Cubs’ Wrigley Field and, in particular, in the right field bleachers.

The 1977 play was collaboratively written by members of Chicago’s Organic Theater Company, based on an idea by actor Joe Mantegna when Chicago’s Off-Loop Theater movement was young and still very hot.

Anyone who spent any time in the bleachers back then—back in the days when the ball park was not sold out every day—saw the bleacher bums, those guys who were betting on anything and everything. Many of them worked night shifts and had nothing else to do before the night games. While they loved their Cubbies, they would bet against them, just for the fun of it. Most of them were true fans who bled Cubbie blue every time the team lost.

We watch the Cubbie fans, watching a game in progress on a summer afternoon—a Cubs vs. St. Louis game. We see the gamblers, the die-hard fans, and the loneliness of those who spend with their Wrigley Field “family.”

There is a lot of spirit and heart in this cast of characters. Craig Dingle plays Greg, the blind man who somehow can feel the number of people in the stands and navigates with ease around his home away from home. David Tibble does a nice job as Decker, the professional gambler who LOVES his Cubs. Michael Gonring is Richie, a sort of gofer for  Decker. As the play progresses, Richie becomes more of a gambler, gambling on his friendships and friends more than with money.

Stephen Scalabrino portrays Marvin, a high roller who bets on anything and will change teams mid-inning if he thinks he can win the bet. Andy Gwyn is a solid Zig (a la Dennis Franz in the original.) There were a few spots where he dropped this Franz persona and was himself—and in those spots, he did shine.

The very attractive Michelle Weissgerber plays Melody, the pretty blonde “hostess” enjoying her day in the sun, a character that evolves through the show. Jim Kozyra is the “cheerleader,” the fan who will do anything to see his team win. Joe Messina rounds out the cast by playing the security guard and does all the game announcements over the field speaker system.

The Metropolis production in Arlington Heights is fairly sharp and well directed by Joe Mohamed, and it pretty much follows the original concept. We even rise to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” for the 7th inning stretch (which might be more fun with a local celebrity leading it).

A few more opening touches might help put us at the ballpark—a few hits thrown into the bleachers so little Michael Etzkorn (or Kevin M. Gallagher as they alternate shows), a young boy sitting in the bleachers watching batting practice, could have a little more to do. Why not have some vendors selling or giving out some treats—sodas, popcorn, beer, or hot dogs?

Adam Veness has designed a sharp, almost realistic set that appears to be close to the actual field, ivy and all (I’m not sure the baskets were in place in 1977). You do get the feeling that you are in the bleachers.

Note: Not recommended for youngsters due to some funky language.

Bleacher Bums
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre
111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights
Tickets:  847-577-2121
Information: www.metropolisArts.com
Closes: Sept. 6