DA BUMS: Any sports fan knows that Cubs fans are perhaps the most tortured in sports history. I mean, seriously, how do you go 100 years (and counting) without reaching the promised land and stay sane? But for some reason, the Cubbie spirit endures and next year springs eternal. If you want to understand that mentality, head to Naugatuck tonight to check out Bleacher Bums at Phoenix Stage Company, a stage-performance that shows what it means to be part of the Wrigley Field faithful. The show is a nine-inning comedhy conceived by actor Joe Mantegna and written by Chicago's Organic Theatre Company. It's the story of a group of die-hard Cubs fans who spend day in, and day out in the stands and do just about everything, including watching the games. Tickets for tonight's performance are $20. First pitch is at 8 p.m.
"FAMILY" DRAMA: What happens when you combine "The Godfather" with "The Producers?" You get the hilarious world of "Breaking Legs." The worlds of the mafia and the theatre combine in the play about a playwright looking for funding for his new show. But when he goes to the family of a former student, he quickly realizes that "family" is a bunch of minor mafiosos. They agree to finance the play provided they never have to read it. To make matters worse (better for the audience) the unwed daughter of the family falls in love with the playwright. The show is on stage now at the Connecticut Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport. Tickets are $30. Doors open at 7:15 p.m.
GOTTA GET PSYCHED FOR THE SHOW: School is back in session, but that doesn't mean the summer fun has to be over. College kids, this one's for you. Once you finish your homework tonight (almost wrote that with a straight face), head over to Toad's Place in New Haven for a little back to school party. Mellow Mood will get you back into the college swing of things with a tribute to Bob Marley (and what says college more than Bob Marley?). The Redness and Steady Habits will also take the stage. And all the fun is free if you bring your college I.D. Already graduate, but want to relive the glory days? Then you can pay $10 at the door. The show starts at 9 p.m.
