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{{Short description|1997 American horror rock musical}}
{{Infobox Musical {{Infobox Musical
|name=Bat Boy: The Musical |name=Bat Boy: The Musical
|image = Bat_Boy_Original_off_Broadway_Poster.jpg |image = Bat_Boy_Original_off_Broadway_Poster.jpg
|image_size = 200px |image_size = 200px
|caption = original off-Broadway poster |caption = Original off-Broadway poster
|music=] |music=]
|lyrics=] |lyrics=Laurence O'Keefe
|book=] <br> ] |book=] <br> ]
|basis=]'s ] |basis='']''{{'}}s ]
|productions=1997 World Premiere (Los Angeles)<br>2001 ] <br>2003 ]<br>2004 ] |productions=1997 World Premiere (Los Angeles)<br>2001 ] <br>2003 ]<br>2004 ]<br>2021 ]
<!-- Please do not include production-specific (acting, directing, etc.) awards --> <!-- Please do not include production-specific (acting, directing, etc.) awards -->
|awards= ]<br>] for Outstanding Musical Production<br>]<br>]<br>] |awards= ]<br>2 ]<br>]
}} }}


'''''Bat Boy: The Musical''''' is an American ] ] with a book by ] and ] and music and lyrics by ], based on a June 23, 1992 '']'' story about a half-boy, half-], dubbed "]", who grew up living in a cave. '''''Bat Boy: The Musical''''' is an American horror ] with a book by ] and ] and music and lyrics by ], based on a June 23, 1992 '']'' story about a half-boy, half-], dubbed "]", who grew up living in a cave.


''Bat Boy'' premiered at ] in 1997 and has since been produced ], in ]'s ], at the ] and in scores of productions throughout the world. ''Bat Boy'' premiered at ] in 1997 and has since been produced ], in ]'s ], at the ] and in scores of productions throughout the world.


== Production history == == Production history ==
''Bat Boy: The Musical'' was developed at the ] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://directorscompany.org/The_Directors_Company/History.html |title=Directors Company History |publisher=Directorscompany.org |date= |accessdate=2013-03-27}}</ref> and premiered at ]' ] on October 31, 1997. Directed by ], and choreography by Derick LaSalla. The cast featured ] as Bat Boy and ] as Meredith Parker.<ref> theactorsgang.com, accessed February 26, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theatredb.com/QShowCastOrig.php?sid=s2668 |title=ITDb: Show Original Cast: Bat Boy |publisher=Theatredb.com |date= |accessdate=2012-01-15}}</ref> ''Bat Boy: The Musical'' was developed at the Directors Company<ref>{{cite web|url=http://directorscompany.org/The_Directors_Company/History.html |title=Directors Company History |website=DirectorsCompany.org |access-date=2013-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408063835/http://directorscompany.org/The_Directors_Company/History.html |archive-date=April 8, 2012}}</ref> and premiered at ]' ] on October 31, 1997. Directed by ], and choreography by Derick LaSalla. The cast featured ] as Bat Boy and ] as Meredith Parker.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bat Boy |url=http://www.theactorsgang.com/archives/batboy.htm |website=TheActorsGang.com |access-date=February 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820183850/http://www.theactorsgang.com/archives/batboy.htm |archive-date=August 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://theatredb.com/QShowCastOrig.php?sid=s2668 |title=ITDb: Show Original Cast: Bat Boy |website=TheatreDB.com |access-date=2012-01-15}}</ref>


The musical opened ] at the ] on March 21, 2001 and closed on December 2, 2001. Produced by ] and directed by Scott Schwartz, with choreography by ], the cast featured ] as Bat Boy and ] as Meredith, ] as Dr. Thomas Parker, ] as Shelley Parker, ] as Maggie/Ron Taylor, Daria Hardeman as Ruthie Taylor/Ned, Trent Armand Kendall as Rev. Hightower/Mrs. Taylor/Roy/Institute Man, Jim Price as Bud/Daisy/Pan, Richard Pruitt as Sheriff, Doug Storm as Rick Taylor/Lorraine. The swings and understudies included ], ], and J.P. Potter. The musical opened ] at the ] on March 21, 2001, and closed on December 2, 2001. Produced by Robyn Goodman<ref>{{Cite web|title=Bat Boy: The Musical|url=http://www.iobdb.com/production/72|access-date=2020-10-28|website=Internet Off-Broadway Database}}</ref> and ] and directed by Scott Schwartz, with choreography by ], the cast featured ] as Bat Boy and ] as Meredith, ] as Dr. Thomas Parker, ] as Shelley Parker, ] as Maggie/Ron Taylor, Daria Hardeman as Ruthie Taylor/Ned, Trent Armand Kendall as Rev. Hightower/Mrs. Taylor/Roy/Institute Man, Jim Price as Bud/Daisy/Pan, Richard Pruitt as Sheriff, Doug Storm as Rick Taylor/Lorraine. The swings and understudies included ], ], and J.P. Potter.<ref name=lortel>{{cite web|url=http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&title=Bat%20Boy%3A%20The%20Musical |title=Bat Boy: The Musical |website=Lortel.org |access-date=2013-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012065000/http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&title=Bat%20Boy%3A%20The%20Musical |archive-date=October 12, 2012}}</ref> Raquela Burt originally played Ruthie Taylor/Ned, but had to discontinue the show due to illness.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.raquela.com/about|title=About|author=Michael Jefferies|website=Raquela|date=2023}}</ref> The show was musically directed/keyboards by ], keyboards/assistant musical director Jason Debord, acoustic/ electric guitars Greg Skaff, electric bass Matt Rubano, drums Ed Fast. For the original cast album, the band was augmented by cello (Jeanne LeBlanc), French horn (Jeff Lang), flute/clarinet/oboe (C. Anderson), trumpet (Robert Millikan), and trombone (]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masterworksbroadway.com/music/bat-boy-the-musical |title=Bat Boy: The Musical – Original Cast Recording 2001 |website=MasterworksBroadway.com |date=2001-06-05 |access-date=2012-01-15}}</ref>
<ref name=lortel>{{cite web|url=http://www.lortel.org/LLA_archive/index.cfm?search_by=show&title=Bat%20Boy%3A%20The%20Musical |title=Lortel Off-Broadway database listing,''Bat Boy'', 2001 |publisher=Lortel.org |date= |accessdate=2013-03-27}}</ref> Raquela Burt originally played Ruthie Taylor/Ned, but had to drop out of the show due to illness. <ref name =raquela>{{cite web|url=http://www.raquela.com/about |title=Raquela.com, 's40;Bat Boy' & #40; |publisher = Raquela Burt |date =2015}}</ref>The show was musically directed/keyboards by ], keyboards/assistant musical director Jason Debord, acoustic/ electric guitars Greg Skaff, electric bass Matt Rubano, drums Ed Fast. For the original cast album, the band was augmented by cello (Jeanne LeBlanc), French horn (Jeff Lang), flute/clarinet/oboe (C. Anderson), trumpet (Robert Millikan), and trombone (]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.masterworksbroadway.com/music/bat-boy-the-musical |title=Bat Boy: The Musical &#124; The Official Masterworks Broadway Site |publisher=Masterworksbroadway.com |date=2001-06-05 |accessdate=2012-01-15}}</ref>


The musical opened in the ] at the ] on September 8, 2004 and ran through January 15, 2005. It again starred ] as Bat Boy, along with ] as Meredith, ] as Dr. Parker and ] as Shelley. It had previously played at the ].<ref name=albemarle> albemarle-london.com, accessed on February 26, 2009</ref><ref name=curtain>Loveridge, Lizzie. , curtainup.com, September 8, 2004</ref><ref>Hanks, Robert. , ''The Independent'', 13 September 2004</ref> The musical opened in the ] at the ] on September 8, 2004, and ran through January 15, 2005. It again starred ] as Bat Boy, along with Rebecca Vere as Meredith, Johnny Barr as Dr. Parker and ] as Shelley. It had previously played at the ].<ref name=albemarle>{{cite web |title=Archive Page For - Bat Boy The Musical |url=http://www.albemarle-london.com/Archive/ArchiveShow.php?Show_Name=Bat%20Boy%20The%20Musical |website=albemarle-london.com |access-date=February 26, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917100616/http://www.albemarle-london.com/Archive/ArchiveShow.php?Show_Name=Bat%20Boy%20The%20Musical |archive-date=September 17, 2010}}</ref><ref name=curtain>{{cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Lizzie |title=Bat Boy Wings It To London |url=http://www.curtainup.com/batboy.html |website=CurtainUp.com |date=September 8, 2004}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Hanks |first=Robert |title=A batty musical with bite, 3 stars |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/bat-boy-the-musical-shaftesbury-theatre-london-546049.html |website=The Independent |date=September 13, 2004}}</ref>


It entered ] in 2002 beginning with the ] in ],<ref> phoenixtheatre.org, accessed February 25, 2009</ref> followed by ] in ] in 2003 and 2006. Performance rights are currently administered by Dramatists Play Service, Inc.<ref> dramatists.com</ref> It entered ] in 2002 beginning with the ] in ],<ref>{{cite web |title=Phoenix Theatre history, 2002 |url=http://www.phoenixtheatre.org/flash.html |website=PhoenixTheatre.org |access-date=February 25, 2009 |archive-date=February 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227151428/http://phoenixtheatre.org/flash.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> followed by ] in ], in 2003 and 2006. Performance rights are currently administered by ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Bat Boy: The Musical |url=https://www.dramatists.com/cgi-bin/db/single.asp?key=3013 |website=Dramatists.com}}</ref>


== Background == == Background ==
The '']'' 1992 story about ], a half-boy, half-] found living in a cave inspired writers ] and ] to write a stage adaptation. They were joined by American ]/] ] and their first production premiered on ], 1997.<ref>Rosati, Nancy. , talkinbroadway.com April 22, 2001</ref> The '']'' 1992 story about ], a half-boy, half-] found living in a cave inspired writers ] and ] to write a stage adaptation. They were joined by American ]/] ], and their first production premiered on ], 1997.<ref>{{cite web |last=Rosati |first=Nancy |title=An Interview with Laurence O'Keefe |url=https://www.talkinbroadway.com/page/rialto/past/2001/4_22_01.html |website=Talkin' Broadway |date=April 22, 2001}}</ref>


The later London production introduced significant changes to the script and score, including the replacement of the song 'Inside Your Heart' with 'Mine, All Mine'. The later London production introduced significant changes to the script and score, including the replacement of the song "Inside Your Heart" with "Mine, All Mine".


The musical differs in a few of its plot details from the ''Weekly World News'' ]. In the musical, Bat Boy learns to speak from his adoptive family, yearns for acceptance and tries to join society, only to face hatred and violence from a town that fears him and jealous rage from his foster father. The musical differs in a few of its plot details from the ''Weekly World News'' ]. In the musical, Bat Boy learns to speak from his adoptive family, yearns for acceptance and tries to join society, only to face hatred and violence from a town that fears him and jealous rage from his foster father.


The book deals with serious themes (such as hypocrisy, acceptance, forgiveness, racism, revenge and scapegoating), but often punctures the most serious moments with slapstick, surrealism, camp-horror and irony. The show also contains religious themes with ] ]s, such as the quoting of ] and ] 9:4 in scene 9. Act II begins with a religious revival tent meeting featuring a ]. The book deals with serious themes (such as hypocrisy, acceptance, forgiveness, racism, revenge and scapegoating) but often punctures the most serious moments with slapstick, surrealism, camp-horror and irony. The show also contains religious themes with ] ]s, such as the quoting of ] and ] 9:4 in scene 9. Act II begins with a religious revival tent meeting featuring a ].


The score was written to be played by a five-piece band of guitar, two keyboards, bass and drums, but the original cast album (]) contains seven extra instruments (], ], ], ], ], ], ]). The music covers many styles, from ] to ] to horror-movie film score and ]. The musical was written to be performed by a cast of 10, with six men and four women playing all the roles. The score was written to be played by a five-piece band of guitar, two keyboards, bass and drums, but the original cast album (]) contains seven extra instruments (], ], ], ], ], ], ]). The music covers many styles, from ] to ] to horror-movie film score and ]. The musical was written to be performed by a cast of 10, with six men and four women playing all the roles.
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==Synopsis== ==Synopsis==
===Act I=== ===Act I===
In the fictional town of Hope Falls, ] three teenage ]; Ron, Rick and Ruthie Taylor discover the Bat Boy, a deformed humanoid creature. Bat Boy attacks Ruthie and is taken captive by Rick and Ron (“Hold Me Bat Boy”). In the fictional town of Hope Falls, ], three teenage ], Ron, Rick and Ruthie Taylor, discover the Bat Boy, a deformed humanoid creature. Bat Boy attacks Ruthie and is taken captive by Rick and Ron ("Hold Me Bat Boy"). Ruthie is taken to the hospital, and the Bat Boy is placed in the care of Sheriff Reynolds who brings him to the home of local veterinarian Dr. Parker. Meredith, Dr. Parker's wife, agrees to take him in ("Christian Charity").


⚫ Shelley, the Parkers' teenage daughter, is repulsed by the Bat Boy and infuriated by his constant screaming, but Meredith pities him and christens him with a new name: Edgar ("Ugly Boy"). Rick Taylor, Shelley's boyfriend, arrives and, infuriated by Edgar's presence, threatens to kill him with a knife ("Whatcha Wanna Do?"). This upsets Shelley, and Meredith makes Rick leave. Meredith attempts to comfort Edgar ("A Home For You").
Ruthie is taken to the hospital and the Bat Boy is placed in the care of Sheriff Reynolds who brings him to the home of local veterinarian Dr. Parker. Meredith, Parker’s wife, agrees to take him in (“Christian Charity”).


⚫ Meanwhile, the Mayor of Hope Falls and the local ranchers are worried by their cattle which are dying inexplicably. The rumours of the discovery of a Bat Boy lead them to believe he must be preying on the cattle ("Another Dead Cow").
⚫ Shelley, the Parkers' teenage daughter, is repulsed by the Bat Boy and infuriated by his constant screaming but Meredith pities him and christens him with a new name; Edgar (“Ugly Boy”). Rick Taylor, Shelley’s boyfriend, arrives and, infuriated by Edgar’s presence, threatens to kill him with a knife (“Whatcha Wanna Do?”). This upsets Shelley and Meredith makes Rick leave. Meredith attempts to comfort Edgar (“A Home For You”).


⚫ Dr. Parker returns home and is about to euthanize Edgar when Meredith intervenes. Meredith begs Dr. Parker not to kill Edgar, and he consents when she agrees to sleep with him. Dr. Parker celebrates what he sees as an upturn in his failing marriage and feeds Edgar animal blood ("Dance With Me Darling"). At the hospital, Ruthie is delirious from her injuries, but her mother promises the Sheriff will kill the Bat Boy or be fired ("Mrs. Taylor's Lullaby").
⚫ Meanwhile, the Mayor of Hope Falls and the local ranchers are worried by their cattle which are dying inexplicably. The rumours of the discovery of a Bat Boy lead them to believe he must be preying on the cattle (“Another Dead Cow”).


⚫ With the help of Meredith's patient teaching and Dr. Parker's secret feedings of blood, Edgar learns speech, etiquette and how to dress and obtains a high-school equivalency diploma ("Show You A Thing or Two"). The town council implore Dr. Parker to prevent the reviled Edgar from attending the upcoming ]. Dr. Parker protests, insisting Edgar is not a threat to anyone, but is pressured into giving his word that Edgar will not attend the revival ("Christian Charity (Reprise)")
⚫ Dr. Parker returns home and is about to euthanize Edgar when Meredith intervenes. Meredith begs Parker not to kill Edgar and he consents when she agrees to sleep with him. Parker celebrates what he sees as an upturn in his failing marriage and feeds Edgar animal blood (“Dance With Me Darling”).


⚫ Edgar begs the Parkers to let him go to the revival ("A Home For You (Reprise)"), and Meredith eventually relents. Incensed by Meredith undermining his word, Dr. Parker grabs her aggressively, and Edgar instinctively attacks him. Meredith runs to comfort Edgar over her husband, leaving Dr. Parker humiliated and furious. Dr. Parker begins to devise a way to destroy Edgar and save his marriage to Meredith; he taunts a hungry Edgar with a live rabbit, and Edgar struggles with his feral urges to kill. Just as it seems Edgar is overcoming his hunger, Dr. Parker draws blood from the rabbit and Edgar eats it. Dr. Parker gives Ruthie Taylor a lethal injection in her hospital room, intending to blame her death on Edgar ("Comfort and Joy").
At the hospital Ruthie is delirious from her injuries, but her mother promises the Sheriff will kill the Bat Boy or be fired (“Mrs. Taylor’s Lullaby”).

With the help of Meredith’s patient teaching and Dr. Parker’s secret feedings of blood Edgar learns speech, etiquette and how to dress and obtains a high-school equivalency diploma (“Show You A Thing or Two”).

⚫ The town council implore Dr. Parker to prevent the reviled Edgar from attending the upcoming ]. Parker protests, insisting Edgar is not a threat to anyone, but is pressured into giving his word that Edgar will not attend the revival (“Christian Charity (Reprise)”)

⚫ Edgar begs the Parkers to let him go to the revival (“A Home For You (Reprise)”) and Meredith eventually relents. Incensed by Meredith undermining his word, Dr. Parker grabs her aggressively and Edgar instinctively attacks him. Meredith runs to comfort Edgar over her husband, leaving Parker humiliated and furious. Parker begins to devise a way to destroy Edgar and save his marriage to Meredith; he taunts a hungry Edgar with a live rabbit and Edgar struggles with his feral urges to kill. Just as it seems Edgar is overcoming his hunger, Parker draws blood from the rabbit and Edgar eats it. Parker gives Ruthie Taylor a lethal injection in her hospital room, intending to blame her death on Edgar (“Comfort and Joy”).


===Act II=== ===Act II===
At the revival meeting Reverend Hightower offers a faith healing (“A Joyful Noise”). Meredith, Shelley and Edgar arrive and Edgar volunteers himself for the faith healing. The town are disgusted by his presence but Edgar implores them to accept him (“Let Me Walk Among You”). The townsfolk are won over by Edgar’s eloquence and civility and embrace him (“A Joyful Noise (Reprise)”). At the revival meeting Reverend Hightower offers a faith healing ("A Joyful Noise"). Meredith, Shelley and Edgar arrive, and Edgar volunteers himself for the faith healing. The town are disgusted by his presence, but Edgar implores them to accept him ("Let Me Walk Among You"). The townsfolk are won over by Edgar's eloquence and civility and embrace him ("A Joyful Noise (Reprise)").

⚫ Dr. Parker arrives at the revival and reveals Ruthie has died, blaming her death on Edgar. The townsfolk are furious and, once again, turn on Edgar. In the ensuing struggle Edgar attacks Rick Taylor; under the pretense of tending to his wounds Dr. Parker administers Rick with a lethal injection to serve as further proof that Edgar is dangerous. The townsfolk form a mob, led by Parker, and pursue Edgar into the woods.

⚫ In the woods Shelley and Meredith look for Edgar. Together they decide that they will run away from Hope Falls and Dr. Parker. Shelley tells Meredith she is falling in love with Edgar and Meredith’s horrified response causes Shelley to run away deeper into the woods (“Three Bedroom House”). There she meets Edgar and the two comfort each other and confess their love for each other. The Greek God of nature ] arrives to preside over the union of Edgar and Shelley, with the help of the woodland creatures (“Children, Children”).


⚫ Dr. Parker arrives at the revival and reveals Ruthie has died, blaming her death on Edgar. The townsfolk are furious and, once again, turn on Edgar. In the ensuing struggle Edgar attacks Rick Taylor; under the pretense of tending to his wounds, Dr. Parker administers Rick with a lethal injection to serve as further proof that Edgar is dangerous. The townsfolk form a mob, led by Dr. Parker, and pursue Edgar into the woods.
⚫ Ron Taylor, determined to get revenge for his brother and sister, searches the slaughterhouse for Edgar. The mob mistake the noise coming from the slaughterhouse as a sign of Edgar’s presence and Mrs. Taylor sets fire to the slaughterhouse, inadvertently burning her remaining child to death. The Sheriff asks Doctor Parker to placate the mob but, instead, he whips them into a bloodthirsty frenzy and the hunt for Edgar resumes (“More Blood/Kill The Bat Boy!”).


⚫ In the woods Shelley and Meredith look for Edgar. Together they decide that they will run away from Hope Falls and Dr. Parker. Shelley tells Meredith she is falling in love with Edgar, and Meredith's horrified response causes Shelley to run away deeper into the woods ("Three Bedroom House"). There she meets Edgar, and the two comfort each other and confess their love for each other. The Greek God of nature ] arrives to preside over the union of Edgar and Shelley, with the help of the woodland creatures ("Children, Children").
⚫ Back in the woods Edgar is hungry for blood and begs Shelley to leave him for her own safety. Instead Shelley offers her arm to Edgar for him to feed on (“Inside Your Heart”). Just as he is about to bite, Meredith arrives and reveals she is Edgar’s mother.


⚫ Ron Taylor, determined to get revenge for his brother and sister, searches the slaughterhouse for Edgar. The mob mistake the noise coming from the slaughterhouse as a sign of Edgar's presence, and Mrs. Taylor sets fire to the slaughterhouse, inadvertently burning her remaining child to death. The Sheriff asks Dr. Parker to placate the mob but, instead, he whips them into a bloodthirsty frenzy, and the hunt for Edgar resumes ("More Blood/Kill The Bat Boy!").
Overcome with grief and shame Edgar kills a cow and runs away to the cave where he was discovered. Incensed at Dr. Parker’s betrayal and Meredith’s deceit, Edgar pledges to kill the pair of them and embrace his inner beast (“Apology To A Cow”).


⚫ Back in the woods Edgar is hungry for blood and begs Shelley to leave him for her own safety. Instead Shelley offers her arm to Edgar for him to feed on ("Inside Your Heart"). Just as he is about to bite, Meredith arrives and reveals she is Edgar's mother. Overcome with grief and shame, Edgar kills a cow and runs away to the cave where he was discovered. Incensed at Dr. Parker's betrayal and Meredith's deceit, Edgar pledges to kill the pair of them and embrace his inner beast ("Apology To A Cow").
⚫ The mob arrives at the cave as do Parker and Meredith. Together they reveal to the town that Edgar was the result of an experiment gone wrong; a young Parker accidentally spilled a prototype pheromone on Meredith which caused him to go mad and sexually violate her. As Meredith ran home in tears, the pheromone also attracted a colony of bats that violated her as well. Nine months later she gave birth to Shelley and Edgar. Repulsed by the deformed Edgar, Meredith asked Parker to kill him, but he could not and instead left him at the mouth of the cave where the bats adopted him.


⚫ The mob arrives at the cave as do Dr. Parker and Meredith. Together they reveal to the town that Edgar was the result of an experiment gone wrong; a young Parker accidentally spilled a prototype pheromone on Meredith which caused him to go mad and sexually violate her. As Meredith ran home in tears, the pheromone also attracted a colony of bats that violated her as well. Nine months later she gave birth to Shelley and Edgar. Repulsed by the deformed Edgar, Meredith asked Parker to kill him, but he could not and instead left him at the mouth of the cave where the bats adopted him.
⚫ Edgar begs Parker to kill him, but he cannot; so Edgar reveals that he slept with Shelley. Furious and overcome with grief Parker slits his own throat causing Edgar to leap upon him and feed, whilst Parker stabs him in the back. Meredith tries to intervene but is stabbed as well and the three fall to the ground, dead (“Finale: I Imagine You’re Upset/I Am Not A Boy”).
⚫ Edgar begs Dr. Parker to kill him, but he cannot; so Edgar reveals that he slept with Shelley. Furious and overcome with grief, Dr. Parker slits his own throat, causing Edgar to leap upon him and feed, whilst Dr. Parker stabs him in the back. Meredith tries to intervene but is stabbed as well, and the three fall to the ground, dead ("Finale: I Imagine You're Upset/I Am Not A Boy").


In the aftermath Shelley and the townsfolk reflect on the tale and the lessons they have learned (“Hold Me Bat Boy (Reprise)”). In the aftermath, Shelley and the townsfolk reflect on the tale and the lessons they have learned ("Hold Me Bat Boy (Reprise)").


==Characters== ==Characters==
{{col-begin}} {{col-begin}}
{{col-2}} {{col-2}}
* ] - Also referred to as "Edgar." A bat boy. * ] - Also referred to as "Edgar". A bat boy.
* Meredith Parker - Wife to Thomas. * Meredith Parker - Wife to Thomas.
* Thomas Parker - Also referred to as "Doctor Parker." The town ]. Husband to Meredith. * Dr. Thomas Parker - The town ]. Husband to Meredith.
* Shelley Parker - The rebellious daughter of Thomas and Meredith. Girlfriend of Rick. Falls in love with Edgar. * Shelley Parker - The rebellious daughter of Thomas and Meredith. Girlfriend of Rick. Falls in love with Edgar.
* Sheriff Reynolds - The local ], coming up for re-election. Sometimes doubles as Delia. * Sheriff Reynolds - The local ], coming up for re-election. Sometimes doubles as Delia.
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* A Doctor - Commonly doubles as Bud, Daisy and Pan. * A Doctor - Commonly doubles as Bud, Daisy and Pan.
* Institute Man - Commonly doubles as Mrs. Taylor, Roy and Rev. Hightower. * Institute Man - Commonly doubles as Mrs. Taylor, Roy and Rev. Hightower.
* Chorus - singer/dancers, additional townsfolk * Chorus - Singer/dancers, additional townsfolk
{{col-end}} {{col-end}}


===Doubling=== ===Doubling===
The musical is written for a cast of ten people to play all twenty-two roles. Except for the actors playing Bat Boy, Meredith, Dr. Parker and Shelley, every cast member plays multiple roles, including at least one of another gender. The cast breakdown is usually thus: The musical is written for a cast of ten people to play all twenty-two roles. Except for the actors playing Bat Boy, Meredith, Dr. Parker and Shelley, every cast member plays multiple roles, including at least one of another gender. The cast breakdown is usually thus:


* Sheriff Reynolds/Delia (male actor) * Sheriff Reynolds/Delia (male actor)
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<nowiki>*</nowiki>Appears on the Original Cast Recording. <nowiki>*</nowiki>Appears on the Original Cast Recording.


"More Blood/Kill the Bat Boy!" is included on the Original London Cast Recording. For the London West End production and cast recording, "Inside Your Heart" is replaced with the song "Mine, All Mine", and "Ugly Boy"/"Whatcha Wanna Do?" are replaced by a song called "Hey Freak". This recording begins with the end portion of dialogue before (and segues into) "Hold Me, Bat Boy". It is underscored by a portion of the song "The Cave". The track is titled "Dude! What is It?".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.xcess.info/bat_boy_original_london_cast_recording.aspx |title=London cast recording |publisher=Music.xcess.info |date= |accessdate=2013-03-27}}</ref> "More Blood/Kill the Bat Boy!" is included on the Original London Cast Recording. For the London West End production and cast recording, "Inside Your Heart" is replaced with the song "Mine, All Mine", and "Ugly Boy"/"Whatcha Wanna Do?" are replaced by a song called "Hey Freak". This recording begins with the end portion of dialogue before (and segues into) "Hold Me, Bat Boy". It is underscored by a portion of the song "The Cave". The track is titled "Dude! What is It?".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://music.xcess.info/bat_boy_original_london_cast_recording.aspx |title=Bat Boy (Original London Cast Recording) |website=Music.Xcess.info |date= |access-date=2013-03-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315234039/http://music.xcess.info/bat_boy_original_london_cast_recording.aspx |archive-date=March 15, 2012}}</ref>


==Awards and critical reception== ==Awards and critical reception==
''Bat Boy: The Musical'' won the awards for best Off-Broadway musical including the ] Award, two Richard Rodgers Awards from the ], and the ] in 2001.<ref name=lortel/> Regional productions of ''Bat Boy'' have been nominated for and won awards including the 2003 ] (Boston, Massachusetts).<ref>, stagesource.org, accessed February 25, 2009</ref> and the 1998 ] (Los Angeles).<ref> allbusiness.com, November 12, 1998</ref> ''Bat Boy: The Musical'' won the awards for best Off-Broadway musical including the ] Award, two Richard Rodgers Awards from the ], and the ] in 2001.<ref name=lortel/> Regional productions of ''Bat Boy'' have been nominated for and won awards including the 2003 ] (Boston, Massachusetts).<ref>{{cite web |title=21st Elliot Norton Awards: 2003 |url=http://www.stagesource.org/pages/1978_21st_elliot_norton_awards_2003.cfm |website=StageSource.org |access-date=February 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327172001/http://www.stagesource.org/pages/1978_21st_elliot_norton_awards_2003.cfm |archive-date=March 27, 2009}}</ref> and the 1998 ] (Los Angeles).<ref>{{cite web |title=Ovation Awards nominations, 1998, Musical/smaller, Writing of a world premiere, Leading actor/musical, Leading actress/musical |url=https://www.allbusiness.com/services/amusement-recreation-services/4364318-1.html |website=AllBusiness.com |date=November 12, 1998}}{{Dead link|date=November 2021}}</ref>


The off-Broadway production received very positive reviews. '']'' review stated, "It's remarkable what intelligent wit can accomplish".<ref>Weber, Bruce. ''The New York Times'', March 22, 2001</ref> ] of '']'' called it "a giggling cult hit" and "the only play in the history of the theatre whose hero ends Act I with a rabbit in his mouth, and who moves on in Act II to an entire cow's head."<ref>Lahr, John. , ''The New Yorker'', April 21, 2001</ref> ''Curtain-Up'' praised : "Laurence O'Keefe's peppy and melodic pop-rock score... played by a five piece combo".<ref>Sommer, Elyse. , based on 3/22/01 performance, curtainup.com, accessed June 9, 2009</ref> ] received the ] for his performance. The off-Broadway production received very positive reviews. In his review for '']'', Bruce Weber wrote, "It's remarkable what intelligent wit can accomplish".<ref>{{cite news |last=Weber |first=Bruce |title=THEATER REVIEW; Who's the Guy Who Ordered the Bloody Mary on the Rocks? |date=March 22, 2001 |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/22/theater/theater-review-who-s-the-guy-who-ordered-the-bloody-mary-on-the-rocks.html |access-date=November 27, 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031222139/https://www.nytimes.com/2001/03/22/theater/theater-review-who-s-the-guy-who-ordered-the-bloody-mary-on-the-rocks.html |archive-date=2010-10-31 |url-status=live}}</ref> ] of '']'' called it "a giggling cult hit" and "the only play in the history of the theatre whose hero ends Act I with a rabbit in his mouth, and who moves on in Act II to an entire cow's head."<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Lahr |first=John |title=Bloodsucker's Ball: Camp, cult, and Complicite |url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2001/04/09/bloodsuckers-ball |magazine=The New Yorker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031172400/https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2001/04/09/bloodsuckers-ball |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |date=April 1, 2001 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''Curtain-Up'' praised : "Laurence O'Keefe's peppy and melodic pop-rock score... played by a five piece combo".<ref>{{cite web |last=Sommers |first=Elyse |title=New York Review of ''Bat Boy'' |url=http://www.curtainup.com/batboy.html |website=CurtainUp.com |date=March 22, 2001 |access-date=June 9, 2009}}</ref> ] received the ] for his performance as Bat Boy.


The West End reviews were less positive. The Curtain Up review notes: "...unless Bat Boy The Musical gathers a cult audience, I fear it will not linger. The newspaper critics do sometimes get it wrong, ...but they have been less kind to ''Bat Boy'' than the ]ns portrayed in the musical." The subsequent sell-out 2006 ] production of the revised score used in the West End received very positive reviews, with many suggesting the show suited this more 'scaled-down' style.<ref name=albemarle/><ref name=curtain/> The West End reviews were less positive. The ''CurtainUp'' reviewer wrote, "nless ''Bat Boy The Musical'' gathers a cult audience, I fear it will not linger. The newspaper critics do sometimes get it wrong, ... but they have been less kind to ''Bat Boy'' than the ]ns portrayed in the musical." The subsequent sell-out 2006 ] production of the revised score used in the West End received very positive reviews, with many suggesting the show suited this more 'scaled-down' style.<ref name=albemarle/><ref name=curtain/>


==References== ==References==
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Latest revision as of 01:42, 29 December 2023

1997 American horror rock musical
Bat Boy: The Musical
Original off-Broadway poster
MusicLaurence O'Keefe
LyricsLaurence O'Keefe
BookKeythe Farley
Brian Flemming
BasisWeekly World News's Bat Boy
Productions1997 World Premiere (Los Angeles)
2001 Off-Broadway
2003 St. Louis
2004 West End
2021 Auckland
AwardsLucille Lortel Award
2 Richard Rodgers Awards
Outer Critics Circle Award

Bat Boy: The Musical is an American horror rock musical with a book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming and music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe, based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat, dubbed "Bat Boy", who grew up living in a cave.

Bat Boy premiered at Actors' Gang Theatre in 1997 and has since been produced off-Broadway, in London's West End, at the Edinburgh Festival and in scores of productions throughout the world.

Production history

Bat Boy: The Musical was developed at the Directors Company and premiered at Tim Robbins' Actors' Gang Theatre on October 31, 1997. Directed by Keythe Farley, and choreography by Derick LaSalla. The cast featured Deven May as Bat Boy and Kaitlin Hopkins as Meredith Parker.

The musical opened off-Broadway at the Union Square Theatre on March 21, 2001, and closed on December 2, 2001. Produced by Robyn Goodman and Michael Alden and directed by Scott Schwartz, with choreography by Christopher Gattelli, the cast featured Deven May as Bat Boy and Kaitlin Hopkins as Meredith, Sean McCourt as Dr. Thomas Parker, Kerry Butler as Shelley Parker, Kathy Brier as Maggie/Ron Taylor, Daria Hardeman as Ruthie Taylor/Ned, Trent Armand Kendall as Rev. Hightower/Mrs. Taylor/Roy/Institute Man, Jim Price as Bud/Daisy/Pan, Richard Pruitt as Sheriff, Doug Storm as Rick Taylor/Lorraine. The swings and understudies included John Treacy Egan, Stephanie Kurtzuba, and J.P. Potter. Raquela Burt originally played Ruthie Taylor/Ned, but had to discontinue the show due to illness. The show was musically directed/keyboards by Alex Lacamoire, keyboards/assistant musical director Jason Debord, acoustic/ electric guitars Greg Skaff, electric bass Matt Rubano, drums Ed Fast. For the original cast album, the band was augmented by cello (Jeanne LeBlanc), French horn (Jeff Lang), flute/clarinet/oboe (C. Anderson), trumpet (Robert Millikan), and trombone (James E. Pugh).

The musical opened in the West End at the Shaftesbury Theatre on September 8, 2004, and ran through January 15, 2005. It again starred Deven May as Bat Boy, along with Rebecca Vere as Meredith, Johnny Barr as Dr. Parker and Emma Williams as Shelley. It had previously played at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

It entered regional theatre in 2002 beginning with the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis, followed by New Line Theatre in St. Louis, Missouri, in 2003 and 2006. Performance rights are currently administered by Dramatists Play Service.

Background

The Weekly World News 1992 story about Bat Boy, a half-boy, half-bat found living in a cave inspired writers Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming to write a stage adaptation. They were joined by American composer/lyricist Laurence O'Keefe, and their first production premiered on Halloween, 1997.

The later London production introduced significant changes to the script and score, including the replacement of the song "Inside Your Heart" with "Mine, All Mine".

The musical differs in a few of its plot details from the Weekly World News portrayal of Bat Boy. In the musical, Bat Boy learns to speak from his adoptive family, yearns for acceptance and tries to join society, only to face hatred and violence from a town that fears him and jealous rage from his foster father.

The book deals with serious themes (such as hypocrisy, acceptance, forgiveness, racism, revenge and scapegoating) but often punctures the most serious moments with slapstick, surrealism, camp-horror and irony. The show also contains religious themes with biblical allusions, such as the quoting of Psalm 23 and Genesis 9:4 in scene 9. Act II begins with a religious revival tent meeting featuring a faith healer.

The score was written to be played by a five-piece band of guitar, two keyboards, bass and drums, but the original cast album (RCA Records) contains seven extra instruments (cello, flute, clarinet, oboe, French horn, trumpet, trombone). The music covers many styles, from rock to rap to horror-movie film score and opera. The musical was written to be performed by a cast of 10, with six men and four women playing all the roles.

Synopsis

Act I

In the fictional town of Hope Falls, West Virginia, three teenage spelunkers, Ron, Rick and Ruthie Taylor, discover the Bat Boy, a deformed humanoid creature. Bat Boy attacks Ruthie and is taken captive by Rick and Ron ("Hold Me Bat Boy"). Ruthie is taken to the hospital, and the Bat Boy is placed in the care of Sheriff Reynolds who brings him to the home of local veterinarian Dr. Parker. Meredith, Dr. Parker's wife, agrees to take him in ("Christian Charity").

Shelley, the Parkers' teenage daughter, is repulsed by the Bat Boy and infuriated by his constant screaming, but Meredith pities him and christens him with a new name: Edgar ("Ugly Boy"). Rick Taylor, Shelley's boyfriend, arrives and, infuriated by Edgar's presence, threatens to kill him with a knife ("Whatcha Wanna Do?"). This upsets Shelley, and Meredith makes Rick leave. Meredith attempts to comfort Edgar ("A Home For You").

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Hope Falls and the local ranchers are worried by their cattle which are dying inexplicably. The rumours of the discovery of a Bat Boy lead them to believe he must be preying on the cattle ("Another Dead Cow").

Dr. Parker returns home and is about to euthanize Edgar when Meredith intervenes. Meredith begs Dr. Parker not to kill Edgar, and he consents when she agrees to sleep with him. Dr. Parker celebrates what he sees as an upturn in his failing marriage and feeds Edgar animal blood ("Dance With Me Darling"). At the hospital, Ruthie is delirious from her injuries, but her mother promises the Sheriff will kill the Bat Boy or be fired ("Mrs. Taylor's Lullaby").

With the help of Meredith's patient teaching and Dr. Parker's secret feedings of blood, Edgar learns speech, etiquette and how to dress and obtains a high-school equivalency diploma ("Show You A Thing or Two"). The town council implore Dr. Parker to prevent the reviled Edgar from attending the upcoming revival meeting. Dr. Parker protests, insisting Edgar is not a threat to anyone, but is pressured into giving his word that Edgar will not attend the revival ("Christian Charity (Reprise)")

Edgar begs the Parkers to let him go to the revival ("A Home For You (Reprise)"), and Meredith eventually relents. Incensed by Meredith undermining his word, Dr. Parker grabs her aggressively, and Edgar instinctively attacks him. Meredith runs to comfort Edgar over her husband, leaving Dr. Parker humiliated and furious. Dr. Parker begins to devise a way to destroy Edgar and save his marriage to Meredith; he taunts a hungry Edgar with a live rabbit, and Edgar struggles with his feral urges to kill. Just as it seems Edgar is overcoming his hunger, Dr. Parker draws blood from the rabbit and Edgar eats it. Dr. Parker gives Ruthie Taylor a lethal injection in her hospital room, intending to blame her death on Edgar ("Comfort and Joy").

Act II

At the revival meeting Reverend Hightower offers a faith healing ("A Joyful Noise"). Meredith, Shelley and Edgar arrive, and Edgar volunteers himself for the faith healing. The town are disgusted by his presence, but Edgar implores them to accept him ("Let Me Walk Among You"). The townsfolk are won over by Edgar's eloquence and civility and embrace him ("A Joyful Noise (Reprise)").

Dr. Parker arrives at the revival and reveals Ruthie has died, blaming her death on Edgar. The townsfolk are furious and, once again, turn on Edgar. In the ensuing struggle Edgar attacks Rick Taylor; under the pretense of tending to his wounds, Dr. Parker administers Rick with a lethal injection to serve as further proof that Edgar is dangerous. The townsfolk form a mob, led by Dr. Parker, and pursue Edgar into the woods.

In the woods Shelley and Meredith look for Edgar. Together they decide that they will run away from Hope Falls and Dr. Parker. Shelley tells Meredith she is falling in love with Edgar, and Meredith's horrified response causes Shelley to run away deeper into the woods ("Three Bedroom House"). There she meets Edgar, and the two comfort each other and confess their love for each other. The Greek God of nature Pan arrives to preside over the union of Edgar and Shelley, with the help of the woodland creatures ("Children, Children").

Ron Taylor, determined to get revenge for his brother and sister, searches the slaughterhouse for Edgar. The mob mistake the noise coming from the slaughterhouse as a sign of Edgar's presence, and Mrs. Taylor sets fire to the slaughterhouse, inadvertently burning her remaining child to death. The Sheriff asks Dr. Parker to placate the mob but, instead, he whips them into a bloodthirsty frenzy, and the hunt for Edgar resumes ("More Blood/Kill The Bat Boy!").

Back in the woods Edgar is hungry for blood and begs Shelley to leave him for her own safety. Instead Shelley offers her arm to Edgar for him to feed on ("Inside Your Heart"). Just as he is about to bite, Meredith arrives and reveals she is Edgar's mother. Overcome with grief and shame, Edgar kills a cow and runs away to the cave where he was discovered. Incensed at Dr. Parker's betrayal and Meredith's deceit, Edgar pledges to kill the pair of them and embrace his inner beast ("Apology To A Cow").

The mob arrives at the cave as do Dr. Parker and Meredith. Together they reveal to the town that Edgar was the result of an experiment gone wrong; a young Parker accidentally spilled a prototype pheromone on Meredith which caused him to go mad and sexually violate her. As Meredith ran home in tears, the pheromone also attracted a colony of bats that violated her as well. Nine months later she gave birth to Shelley and Edgar. Repulsed by the deformed Edgar, Meredith asked Parker to kill him, but he could not and instead left him at the mouth of the cave where the bats adopted him.

Edgar begs Dr. Parker to kill him, but he cannot; so Edgar reveals that he slept with Shelley. Furious and overcome with grief, Dr. Parker slits his own throat, causing Edgar to leap upon him and feed, whilst Dr. Parker stabs him in the back. Meredith tries to intervene but is stabbed as well, and the three fall to the ground, dead ("Finale: I Imagine You're Upset/I Am Not A Boy").

In the aftermath, Shelley and the townsfolk reflect on the tale and the lessons they have learned ("Hold Me Bat Boy (Reprise)").

Characters

  • Bat Boy - Also referred to as "Edgar". A bat boy.
  • Meredith Parker - Wife to Thomas.
  • Dr. Thomas Parker - The town veterinarian. Husband to Meredith.
  • Shelley Parker - The rebellious daughter of Thomas and Meredith. Girlfriend of Rick. Falls in love with Edgar.
  • Sheriff Reynolds - The local sheriff, coming up for re-election. Sometimes doubles as Delia.
  • Rick Taylor - A rowdy, spelunking teenager. Kin to Ron and Ruthie, son of Mrs. Taylor. Boyfriend of Shelley. Commonly doubles as Lorraine and Mr. Dillon.
  • Ron Taylor - A rowdy, spelunking teenager. Kin to Rick, and Ruthie, son of Mrs. Taylor. Usually a drag role. Commonly doubles as Maggie.
  • Ruthie Taylor - A rowdy, spelunking teenager. Youngest of three. Kin to Rick and Ron, daughter of Mrs. Taylor. Commonly doubles as Ned.
  • Mrs. Taylor - An overprotective, aggressive mother. Mother of Rick, Ron, and Ruthie. Usually a drag role. Commonly doubles as Reverend Hightower, Roy and Institute Man.
  • Lorraine - A townswoman. Usually a drag role. Commonly doubles as Rick and Mr. Dillon.
  • Delia - A townswoman. Usually a drag role. Sometimes doubles as Sheriff.
  • Maggie - The mayor of Hope Falls. Commonly doubles as Ron.
  • Daisy - A townswoman. Usually a drag role. Commonly doubles as Bud and Pan.
  • Mr. Dillon - A rancher. Sometimes doubles as Lorraine and Rick.
  • Bud - A rancher. Commonly doubles as Pan and Daisy.
  • Ned - A rancher. Usually a drag role. Commonly doubles as Ruthie.
  • Roy - A townsman. Often doubles as Mrs. Taylor and Rev. Hightower.
  • Clem - A townsman. Usually a drag role. Often doubles as Ron and Maggie.
  • Reverend Billy Hightower - A preacher and faith healer who holds a travelling Tent Revival/Barbecue. Commonly doubles as Mrs. Taylor and Roy.
  • Pan - The Greek satyr-god of nature. Commonly doubles as Bud and Daisy.
  • A Doctor - Commonly doubles as Bud, Daisy and Pan.
  • Institute Man - Commonly doubles as Mrs. Taylor, Roy and Rev. Hightower.
  • Chorus - Singer/dancers, additional townsfolk

Doubling

The musical is written for a cast of ten people to play all twenty-two roles. Except for the actors playing Bat Boy, Meredith, Dr. Parker and Shelley, every cast member plays multiple roles, including at least one of another gender. The cast breakdown is usually thus:

  • Sheriff Reynolds/Delia (male actor)
  • Rick Taylor/Lorraine/Mr. Dillon (male actor)
  • Ron Taylor/Maggie/Clem (female actor)
  • Ruthie Taylor/Ned (female actor)
  • Mrs. Taylor/Roy/Reverend Billy Hightower/Institute Man (male actor)
  • Daisy/Bud/Pan/Doctor (male actor)

Songs

(As they appear in the Piano/Conductor Score)

  • 1. Overture
  • 1a. The Cave
  • 2. Hold Me, Bat Boy* - Company
  • 2a. Living Room Cue
  • 3. Christian Charity* - Sheriff, Meredith, and Shelly
  • 4. Ugly Boy* - Shelly
  • 5. Whatcha Wanna Do?* - Rick and Shelly
  • 6. A Home for You* - Meredith and Bat Boy
  • 7. Another Dead Cow* - Company
  • 8. Dance With Me, Darling* - Dr. Parker
  • 9. Mrs. Taylor's Lullaby* - Mrs. Taylor
  • 10. Show You a Thing or Two* - Meredith, Shelly, Bat Boy, Dr. Parker, and Company
  • 11. Christian Charity (reprise)* - Sheriff, Dr. Parker, and Company
  • 12. May I Have This Dance?
  • 13. A Home for You (reprise)* - Bat Boy
  • 14. Parker's Epiphany - Dr. Parker
  • 15. Comfort and Joy* - Dr. Parker, Meredith, Shelly, Bat Boy, Sheriff, and Company
  • 15a. Comfort and Joy (part II)* - Dr. Parker, Meredith, Shelly, Bat Boy, Sheriff and Company
  • 16. A Joyful Noise* - Reverend Hightower and Company
  • 16a. Come on Down!
  • 17. Let Me Walk Among You* - Bat Boy
  • 18. A Joyful Noise (reprise)* - Reverend Hightower and Company
  • 18a. A Joyful Noise (playoff) - Reverend Hightower and Company
  • 19. All Hell Breaks Loose - Company
  • 20. Stop the Bat Boy! - Company
  • 21. Three Bedroom House* - Meredith and Shelly
  • 21a. Babe in the Woods
  • 22. Children, Children* - Pan and Company
  • 22a. Burn, You Freak, Burn
  • 23. More Blood/Kill the Bat Boy! - Company
  • 24. Inside Your Heart* - Bat Boy and Shelly
  • 25. Is All That You Taught Me a Lie?
  • 26. Apology to a Cow* - Bat Boy
  • 26a. Hello, Father
  • 27. Revelations
  • 28. Finale: I Imagine You're Upset* - Bat Boy, Shelly and Company
  • 28a. Finale: I Am Not a Boy* - Bat Boy
  • 29. Finale: Hold Me, Bat Boy* - Shelly and Company
  • 30. Bows
  • 1opt. Optional Overture

*Appears on the Original Cast Recording.

"More Blood/Kill the Bat Boy!" is included on the Original London Cast Recording. For the London West End production and cast recording, "Inside Your Heart" is replaced with the song "Mine, All Mine", and "Ugly Boy"/"Whatcha Wanna Do?" are replaced by a song called "Hey Freak". This recording begins with the end portion of dialogue before (and segues into) "Hold Me, Bat Boy". It is underscored by a portion of the song "The Cave". The track is titled "Dude! What is It?".

Awards and critical reception

Bat Boy: The Musical won the awards for best Off-Broadway musical including the Lucille Lortel Award, two Richard Rodgers Awards from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and the Outer Critics Circle Award in 2001. Regional productions of Bat Boy have been nominated for and won awards including the 2003 Elliot Norton Award (Boston, Massachusetts). and the 1998 Ovation Awards (Los Angeles).

The off-Broadway production received very positive reviews. In his review for The New York Times, Bruce Weber wrote, "It's remarkable what intelligent wit can accomplish". John Lahr of The New Yorker called it "a giggling cult hit" and "the only play in the history of the theatre whose hero ends Act I with a rabbit in his mouth, and who moves on in Act II to an entire cow's head." Curtain-Up praised : "Laurence O'Keefe's peppy and melodic pop-rock score... played by a five piece combo". Deven May received the Theatre World Award for his performance as Bat Boy.

The West End reviews were less positive. The CurtainUp reviewer wrote, "nless Bat Boy The Musical gathers a cult audience, I fear it will not linger. The newspaper critics do sometimes get it wrong, ... but they have been less kind to Bat Boy than the West Virginians portrayed in the musical." The subsequent sell-out 2006 Edinburgh Festival production of the revised score used in the West End received very positive reviews, with many suggesting the show suited this more 'scaled-down' style.

References

  1. "Directors Company History". DirectorsCompany.org. Archived from the original on April 8, 2012. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  2. "Bat Boy". TheActorsGang.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2009.
  3. "ITDb: Show Original Cast: Bat Boy". TheatreDB.com. Retrieved 2012-01-15.
  4. "Bat Boy: The Musical". Internet Off-Broadway Database. Retrieved 2020-10-28.
  5. ^ "Bat Boy: The Musical". Lortel.org. Archived from the original on October 12, 2012. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  6. Michael Jefferies (2023). "About". Raquela.
  7. "Bat Boy: The Musical – Original Cast Recording 2001". MasterworksBroadway.com. 2001-06-05. Retrieved 2012-01-15.
  8. ^ "Archive Page For - Bat Boy The Musical". albemarle-london.com. Archived from the original on September 17, 2010. Retrieved February 26, 2009.
  9. ^ Loveridge, Lizzie (September 8, 2004). "Bat Boy Wings It To London". CurtainUp.com.
  10. Hanks, Robert (September 13, 2004). "A batty musical with bite, 3 stars". The Independent.
  11. "Phoenix Theatre history, 2002". PhoenixTheatre.org. Archived from the original on February 27, 2009. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  12. "Bat Boy: The Musical". Dramatists.com.
  13. Rosati, Nancy (April 22, 2001). "An Interview with Laurence O'Keefe". Talkin' Broadway.
  14. "Bat Boy (Original London Cast Recording)". Music.Xcess.info. Archived from the original on March 15, 2012. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  15. "21st Elliot Norton Awards: 2003". StageSource.org. Archived from the original on March 27, 2009. Retrieved February 25, 2009.
  16. "Ovation Awards nominations, 1998, Musical/smaller, Writing of a world premiere, Leading actor/musical, Leading actress/musical". AllBusiness.com. November 12, 1998.
  17. Weber, Bruce (March 22, 2001). "THEATER REVIEW; Who's the Guy Who Ordered the Bloody Mary on the Rocks?". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2010-10-31. Retrieved November 27, 2021.
  18. Lahr, John (April 1, 2001). "Bloodsucker's Ball: Camp, cult, and Complicite". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on October 31, 2020.
  19. Sommers, Elyse (March 22, 2001). "New York Review of Bat Boy". CurtainUp.com. Retrieved June 9, 2009.

External links

Categories: