"Bleacher Bums " (open run) by Al Bresloff

In these days when it is near impossible to get a ticket for a Cubs game, there is now an opportunity to see the 25th anniversary production of " Bleacher Bums" a nine inning comedy at the main stage of The Royal George Theatre located at 1641 N. Halsted. This is an updated production bringing in the 2004 team (and yes, even Bartman) and lots of memories from the years since the original production. You will feel that you are attending a Cubs vs Cardinals game as seen from the right-center section of the Bleachers of Wrigley Field. Brian Traynor's set gives you the feel of the ball park. It's all there! The shrubs in center; the outfield wall with baskets; the bench seats and of course, the gamblers that spent most of their days in the stands betting on innings, plays, at bats and of course the outcome. Back in the days of the original, day games is all they had and many of those who visited the bleachers were people who worked nights, unless gambling was their profession.

Director Jeff Lee has put together a wonderful cast to bring these people to life. Gary Sandy (best known for his TV role on WKRP in Cincinnati) is a very slick and smooth Decker. Decker is the suave gambler type who wants everyone to like him; the suit wearing, bookie type always looking for action. Michael Andrew Gorman plays Marvin, the other big gambler (perhaps semi-pro) who likes to bet against the Cubs, in fact he loves the Cubs because they allow him to derive a larger income due to their failure to get it done! Zig (a deft performance by John Librizzi) is the blue collar type who gambles away his hard earned money and when he loses,blames it on the players, the umps, the weather , or any other thing that comes to mind. It is always a good bet, IF! Stephen J. Rose is wonderful as Richie, the somewhat slow member of the regulars who wants to be like the others but can't quite get there. He is funny and he is sad and Mr. Rose brings out these emotions perfectly. Kevin Stark is the Cheerleader; the wild fan who works everyone else up throughout the game. This is a very energetic performance.

Carrie Hegdahl is the blonde bombshell who is visiting the bleachers to get a little sun and to cheer for her favorite player. She starts off a little standoffish, but as the innings progress, we see her become a real part of this group. Diane Dorsey is Rose, Zig's wife who surprises him by showing up this afternoon to see just what the attraction is. It turns out she knows a lot about baseball and the Cubs as she listens and watches the games at home while she does her chores. She brings a dramatic change to Zig's character by the 8th inning. Thomas Gebbia portrays Greg, the blind fan who knows his way around the ballpark and calls the game for the rest of the "bums" using his transistor radio. He is not a better, but he is definitely one of the most important of characters and his exit speech to Marvin is a classic!

This is a fun filled 90 minutes (no intermission) with the true feel of the ballpark. You can bring your beer and goodies to your seats (I suggest not doing the peanuts thing, at least not in the shell). You will rise for the national anthem (with Wayne Messmer's voice) and there is a 7th inning stretch with a guest conductor. You will hear the PA announcements by Paul Friedman and the sounds on the organ are indeed those of Mr. Gary Pressy. You even get a scorecard when you enter the theater. This is a dress casual have fun evening at the very intimate Royal George Theatre located at 1641 N. Halsted. Show times are as follows: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m. Saturday at 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sunday at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are priced from $36.50-$44.50 (just a little bit more than one of the seats depicted in the play, if you were lucky enough to get one) and are available at the box office, by phone at 312-988-9000, at all Ticketmaster outlets, by calling Ticketmaster at312-902-1500 or on-line at www.ticketmaster.com. Check out www.BleacherBums.com for more info.