"Bleacher Bums" August 2, 2008

Parker Arts Council and Parker Cultural Commission present
Bleacher Bums

Conceived by Joe Mantegna
Written by Roberta Custer, Richard Fire, Dennis Franz,
Stuart Gordon, Joe Mantegna, Josephine Paoletti,
Dennis Paoli, Carolyn Purdy-Gordon, Michael Saad,
Keith Szarabajka and Ian Williams
Directed by Mary Beth Gudewicz
The Parker Arts Council presents “Bleacher Bums” in reader’s theatre format* at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 2 at O’Brien Park located at South Parker Road and Main Street in Parker. This event is free and open to the public. In the bleachers at Chicago's Wrigley Field, die hard Cub fans root for their team. The group includes a rabid cheerleader, a blind man who follows the game by transistor radio and does his own play by play, a bathing beauty, a nerd and various other bleacher denizens. As the game proceeds, they bet among themselves on every conceivable event, go out for frosty malts or beers, try to pick up the bathing beauty and, occasionally, watch the game. The Cubs inevitably blow it in the ninth and the villainous Marvin, who always bets against the Cubs figuring he can't lose, cleans up. The bleacher bums remain undaunted they will be back tomorrow to root for the home team.
Chicago born Joseph Mantegna conceived and co-authored the Off Broadway play "Bleacher Bums" which first opened in 1977 at the Organic Theatre Company of Chicago under the direction of Stuart Gordon. It ran for an unprecedented two years to sold-out audiences, winning the hearts of Chicago theater goers, baseball fans, theater critics and the city of Chicago before embarking on one of the most successful road trips in history, with winning performances across the country including a six-month run in New York and an unprecedented 13-year run in Los Angeles. "Bleacher Bums" was subsequently produced for television and earned him an Emmy Award. Mantegna is a award-winning actor of film, stage and television. He earned a Tony Award for his performance as Richard Roma in David Mamet's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, "Glengarry Glen Ross," and currently stars in the CBS series Criminal Minds.
The Parker Arts Council and Parker Cultural Commission
“Bleacher Bums”
A Nine Inning Comedy about Cubs fans.
Saturday, August 2
O’Brien Park, S. Parker Rd. & Mainstreet in Parker (Across from Baskin Robbins with Gazebo)
Parker, Colorado
6 p.m.
Free admission
Please bring a blanket to sit on the grass. In case of inclement weather the show will move to the Mainstreet Center Theatre, 19650 E. Mainstreet.
Contact Mary Beth at 303-805-4280 or at parkerartcouncil@yahoo.com
Information at www.parkerartscouncil.org
*Readers Theatre is an event used to introduce actors and potential actors to a theatrical setting through interpretive oral reading with emphasis on character portrayal by voice or facial expressions with minimal costumes or props. No memorization is required.
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The mission of the Parker Arts Council is to provide opportunities for cultural enrichment
through participation, education and outreach to the local community.