"Bat Boy: The Musical" flies high
Torie Paone
Issue date: 10/29/09 Section: Life!
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While every piece of art can be critiqued and criticized for its flaws, I found it hard to criticize any aspect of this play. I was hooked from the start of the show and couldn't stop thinking about it until long after it was over. Not only do the beautiful voices of the actors and actresses stay with you throughout the rest of the day, but you also leave the theater with newfound wisdom.
I would hope that every Muhlenberg student would attend this play because it is a great experience and has something for everyone. It has romance for the students who wish to see love bloom right in front of their eyes, suspense for the students who desire to be kept on the edge of their seat, and despair for the students who are in need of a good cry. It has sex, which let's face it, is a main attraction for many young people. Mostly; however, the play awakens the mind and heart of every person in the audience.
Every audience member was attentive with his or her eyes wide open, laughed with each joke, cried when they felt the character's pain, and produced applause that reverberated around the theater. The plot is unconventional and would not be considered a classic. I thought that this might hinder old-fashioned parents from wanting to see it, but then I realized that the uncoventionality of it is what makes the play worthwhile. Unconventional is beautiful. We all have our quirks, but that just makes us who we are.
The story begins in a cave where three siblings are exploring and fooling around with one another. They are suddenly terrified when they spot a mysterious looking creature in the darkness of the cave. When they get close enough to see the creature in great detail, they realize he is half-bat and half-boy. The three siblings begin to taunt Bat Boy and, like any animal, he attacks Ruthie, one of the siblings, biting her and sending her to the hospital. Meanwhile, the other two siblings kidnap Bat Boy and hand him over to the sheriff of Hope Falls, West Virginia, where the story is set. The sheriff decides to deliver the creature to a local doctor named Dr. Thomas Parker. When the creature arrives at the Parker residence, he evokes different emotions out of each family member. Mrs. Parker takes a great liking to Bat Boy, but her daughter, Shelly, is unsure of him at first. Mrs. Parker wants Bat Boy to be a part of her family and, to her husband's dismay, she gives him a real name and teaches him how to be a man. While Bat Boy turns into a man, Shelly develops new feelings for him, as does the town. The town members are angry with Bat Boy and his interaction with Ruthie. They blame him for their trouble with cattle and hope that he will not partake in local town events. Bat Boy tries to assure them of his change in behavior and heart, but despite the efforts of the town members, they are unable to see past what they think they know. In addition, there are more deaths occurring than just the cows, and everyone wants to know who is responsible. Just when the audience thinks they have everything figured out, a surprise twist leaves the audience shocked and breathless, wanting more. This is just a taste of the fascinating story of Bat Boy. The audience will attend the play for the story but stay for the talent. I can't completely convey just how talented the actors and actresses are, which is why you must see it for yourself.
Jeramie F. Mayes, '12 does the character of Bat Boy a great service. He adds depth to the character and his voice is powerful and clear. Every girl can relate to Shelly and her developing feelings for Bat Boy. Leah Holleran, '12 does a fabulous job portraying the teenage girl, as she brilliantly adds sass and comedy to her character. You love to hate Dr. Parker who is played by the very talented Eric Thompson, '10. You fall in love with Mrs. Parker for her kindness which Denise Ozer, '10 displays eloquently. Not to mention actors such as Gabe Martinez, '10, Grant Harris, '10 Nick Flatto, '10 and Kimberly Fanok, '12 who each play four different roles so smoothly and richly that you are almost in shock of how they pulled it off. The College's theatre highlights the talent of everyone in the cast. Even the people listed as ensemble members seem as though they are main characters, providing strong harmonies and voices. Without them the show would not be as great as it is. The scenery and the costumes were a brilliant depiction of West Virginia. Thanks should also go to the directors and crew without whom the show would not be possible. Important numbers to look forward to are "Hold Me, Bat Boy," "Christian Charity," "Dance With Me Darling," "A Home for You," and "Inside Your Heart."