PAC Rats Theatre Company of South Suburban College Presents Performances of Bleacher Bums


SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – It’s game day and die-hard baseball fans are suiting up for Bleacher Bums, a play to be performed in the South Suburban College (SSC) Kindig Performing Arts Center. Performances will take place on September 16, 17 and 23, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. and September 24 and 25, 2022 at 2 p.m.

Bleacher Bums is a play collaboratively written in 1977 by members of Chicago’s Organic Theater Company from an idea by actor Joe Mantegna. A performance of the play was recorded for PBS television, and in 2002 a made-for-TV movie adaptation was produced. Win or lose, the cast of characters remain undaunted and will root for their team no matter what.

The nine-inning comedy focuses on an eclectic group in the bleachers at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. The cast includes Jennifer Balbuena of Gary, IN as Melody, an avid sunbather; Jim Andricopulos of Mokena as Zig, a loudmouthed middle-aged man; Carol Melendez of Glenwood as Zig’s wife Rose; Brandon Alexander of Glenwood as Decker, a businessman with a thirst for success; Jon Becker of Oak Forest, as Marvin, an inveterate gambler; Ashley Orendorff of Thornton, a young cheerleader of fanatic proportions; Kevin Hathaway of Park Forest as Richie; Charlie Furtek of Lansing as Greg, a gentle soul and serious fan; Veronica Stewart of Hazel Crest as the Wrigley Field guard trying to keep the group in line, and Pat Nevins of Homewood as the off stage announcer.

Adding talent to the production are director Paul Braun of Munster, IN, stage manager, sound designer and set designer Sandra Wagner of Lansing, scenic artist and prop designer Heather Young of Chicago and set designer Pat Nevins of Homewood.

Tickets are only $8 for adults, $6 for seniors (55+), and $6 for students. SSC students and staff can enjoy a buy one, get one free offer with an I.D. Tickets may be reserved via the 24/7 box office voicemail at (708) 210-5741 or via email at boxoffice@ssc.edu. Group rates are available.

The Kindig Performing Arts Center on SSC’s Main Campus is located at 15800 S. State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample, well-lit parking is available.
 

A photo of the cast and crew of "Bleacher Bums"
PICTURED: The cast and crew of Bleacher Bums. Front row, left to right: Veronica Stewart (Hazel Crest), Jennifer Balbuena (Gary, IN), Kevin Hathaway (Park Forest), Jim Andricopulos (Mokena), Carol Melendez (Glenwood) and Sandra Wagner (Lansing). Back row, left to right: Charlie Furtek (Lansing), Brandon Alexander (Glenwood), Pat Nevins (Homewood), Jon Becker (Oak Forest) and Paul Braun (Munster, IN). Not pictured: Ashley Orendorff (Thornton).