`BLEACHER BUMS' A CROWD PLEASER.Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News Combine America's national pastime with a cross-section of its die-hard fans, and you've got the very funny ``Bleacher bleach·er n. 1. One that bleaches or is used in bleaching. 2. An often unroofed outdoor grandstand for seating spectators. Often used in the plural. Bums'' playing through Nov. 24 at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center. Conceived by actor Joe Mantegna and written by Emmy-winning actor Dennis Frantz (``NYPD NYPD New York City Police Department (since 1845; New York City, NY, USA) NYPD New York Play Development Blue'') and the Organic Theater Co., the play's action takes place in the bleachers In The Bleachers is a podcast and website that focuses on Division I-A college football. It is recorded and aired weekly during college football season and features college football experts from the Big Ten, Big East, SEC, ACC, Pac 10, and Big 12 conferences. during a baseball game between the Chicago Clubs and St. Louis Cardinals For the National Football League team that played in St. Louis from 1960 to 1987, see . The St. Louis Cardinals (also referred to as "the Cards" or "the Redbirds") are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. at Wrigley Field. The play is a Santa Paula Theater Center production. Cubs fans are a special breed known for their loyalty - a quality to be admired since their team hasn't won a pennant in 40 years. Greg (a finely etched portrayal by Jeff G. Rack) is blind, but he still follows the game - hearing and smelling the crowd and listening to the play-by-play on his portable radio. Decker, a well-dressed businessman (Michael Sollazzo offers an intelligent, appealing performance), brings his high-top sneakers sneakers Noun, pl US, Canad, Austral & NZ canvas shoes with rubber soles sneakers npl (US) → zapatos mpl de lona; zapatillas fpl to the game and proceeds to transform himself into a rowdy, betting fan with his dress shirt wrapped around his head. The amiable but slightly testy tes·ty adj. tes·ti·er, tes·ti·est Irritated, impatient, or exasperated; peevish: a testy cab driver; a testy refusal to help. Zig (an animated Fred Helsel) is there to bet on his favorites and, if possible, to avoid his wife, Rose (a bravura bra·vu·ra n. 1. Music a. Brilliant technique or style in performance. b. A piece or passage that emphasizes a performer's virtuosity. 2. A showy manner or display. adj. 1. performance by Dee Anne Helsel), who knows baseball statistics as well as any man. Richie is an enthusiastic, childlike mechanic (a touching, highly expressive portrayal by Karl Mickelson) who tries so hard to be one of the boys, he's bound to irritate the cynical Marvin (the compelling Robert Sabotka). Marvin is a gambler, always betting for the opposing team, knowing that the Cubs' poor record will afford him plenty of opportunities to win money from loyal fans. Inquisitive Melody (the alluring Kelly O'Brien) is prepared for anything since she isn't sure if she's going to like the game. Dressed for a day at the lake in a bathing suit and skimpy skimp·y adj. skimp·i·er, skimp·i·est 1. Inadequate, as in size or fullness, especially through economizing or stinting: a skimpy meal. 2. Unduly thrifty; niggardly. skirt, she's prepared with a towel, pillow, suntan lotion and a magazine. The peppy and amusing John McKinley plays the Cheerleader, always ready with tricks and cheers to inspire the Cubs to victory. Ron Rosen lends his credible voice to the role as Announcer and his body to a brief walk-on as a Guard. The dynamics between this very active cast provide plenty of humor and entertainment. Male egos clash and popcorn flies as these faithful fans bet on every conceivable element, including whether the somewhat slow-witted Richie can get Melody's telephone number. Catch this play. You won't regret it. THE FACTS WHAT: ``Bleacher Bums'' by Dennis Franz, Joe Mantegna and the Organic Theater Company Organic Theater Company, a Chicago theatre, was founded in the 1970s by artistic director Stuart Gordon. The theater company was incorporated in 1972. Some productions were taken on the road, touring to New York City venues such as The Performing Garage, The Public Theater, and The WHEN: 8 p.m. today and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday; through Nov. 24 WHERE: Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, 3050 Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley COST: $15; $12 for seniors and students INFORMATION: (805) 581-9940 CAPTION(S): Photo Photo: Rose, portrayed by Dee Anne Helsel, and her husband, Zig, played by Fred Helsel, are just two of the fans featured in the Santa Paula Theater Center's production of ``Bleacher Bums.'' |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion