- Bleacher Bums
"Bleacher Bums" is a
1977 play written collaboratively by members ofChicago 'sOrganic Theater Company , from an idea by actorJoe Mantegna . Its original Chicago production was directed byStuart Gordon . A 1979 performance of the play was taped forPBS television; in2002 amade-for-TV movie adaptation was produced.Plot
"Bleacher Bums" takes place in the
bleachers of Chicago'sWrigley Field . The characters are a bunch ofChicago 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.Cast
Mantegna and
Dennis Franz starred in the original production; other cast members over the years have includedDennis Farina ,Gary Sandy , andGeorge Wendt . The 2002 TV movie version starredBrad Garrett ,Wayne Knight , andHal Sparks .External links
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* [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4155/is_20040416/ai_n12546259 Play's success still amazes Mantegna]
* Bleacher Bums book listing, ISBN 978-0573605765.
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