Actors Make Spectators of Selves in Fine ‘Bums’

Back in the late 1970s, before he started acting in films, Joe Mantegna and some cohorts in Chicago put together a little love letter to baseball fans and the Chicago Cubs. They called it “a nine-inning comedy” and titled it “Bleacher Bums.” It proved so successful that in Los Angeles alone it ran for a decade, at the Century City Playhouse.

From now on, will the opening of baseball season be marked by revivals of the piece? That would be fine. It’s a lot of fun watching yourself if you’re a baseball fan or, if you’re not a fan, watching others carrying on over a kids game.

There isn’t much to “Bleacher Bums” in the way of a plot, but that doesn’t hurt. As this staging at the Garden Grove Playhouse shows, it’s the action in the bleachers that counts. (In this production, they’re even hawking hot dogs, popcorn and soda on your way into the theater).

Director Patricia Miller obviously is a fan. She knows the fervor, and the angst, and the often unbridled joy of the true baseball lover--and her enthusiasm shows. Her tempos are crisp, her production’s energy is high, and the balance between the generally volatile characters is fluid and seemingly effortless.

Granted, these are not difficult roles for actors to play. Watch the stands during any broadcast of any baseball game and you’ll know what to do. The trick, in slight pieces such as this, is to create something that isn’t in the script. For instance, several of these characters are not the most likable types. To make it work, one must make them sympathetic, and Miller has cast the piece thoughtfully.

Richard Comeau is the roughhewn Decker, whose insecurity is hidden by a transparent brashness. Jeff Hollander is Richie, everybody’s puppy-dog fall guy. Both are bull’s-eye performances, ringing very true. Craig Johnson’s bright humor and irony give some nice texture to Greg, and though some of his moments are totally on the surface, Randy Jones manages at times to attract empathy as an unadorned stereotype, sleazy gambler Marvin.

Despite his character’s crassness and feeble attempts at male chauvinism, Dan B. Rodgers is a grinning delight as Zig, particularly after he is joined by his sharp-tongued wife, Rose. Carole Gordon is charming as Rose; she and Rodgers work together flawlessly.

Daina Lynne Baker is properly laid-back as voluptuous blond Melody, who is there for the sun, and Helen Ann Watley is buoyant and aggressive as the cheerleader.

As the Kid--the most innocent of them all, the only fan who is there only for the game--Stephen Fanning should not watch the audience so much, but he is effective in his distrust of the adults, and he makes the most of his final moment as he tosses a prize baseball back onto the field.

BE THERE

“Bleacher Bums” continues Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. through May 17 (and Sunday, May 4, at 2 p.m.) at the Garden Grove Playhouse, 12001 St. Mark St., Garden Grove. (714) 897-5122. $10. Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes.