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Bat Boy: The Musical by San Diego State University  It ain’t easy being half-bat, half-human – especially in
rural West Virginia! Just ask Edgar (a.k.a. Bat Boy), an unfortunate freak of
nature found in lurking in a bat cave by three hick siblings. Will Bat Boy be
put to death by the local veterinarian as the townspeople demand, or will some
real “Christian Charity” see the human inside the monster?
The answer lies at the end of this campy rock musical now making its San Diego debut at San Diego State University directed by Dr. Rick Simas. And if you like to sink your teeth into bizarre, slapstick camp, this is for you. With a book written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming that takes has some farcical fun with early horror movies and a surprisingly impressive rock score by Laurence O’Keefe, Bat Boy the Musical is a silly but entertaining romp that includes songs titles such as Another Dead Cow and Apology to a Cow. As the Bat Boy himself, Jakko Maltis’s performance is monstrously good throughout – as the alien creature we are unsure about, as the endearing bat boy who mimics his human hosts and is eager to learn more, as the ferocious animal who still exists when aroused, and as the learned gentleman who simply wants to be accepted by the dubious and ignorant community of Hope Falls. The only family willing to give him a chance are the Parkers. Jay Cranford is Mr. Parker, the veterinarian who wants to do the will of the people, but who keeps Edgar alive to get some lovin’ from the wife – eventually turning into an insanely jealous creature far more dangerous than any Bat Boy. Ryan Beattie turns in a tremendous performance as the mother of the family who is desperate to keep Edgar alive and to transform him into the human she knows he can be by teaching him and treating him with motherly love (including cooing him with a lovely lullaby and trying to feed him her atrocious stew). Nicole Werner is their attractive teenage daughter who is initially disgusted by her family’s new “pet,” but who learns to love Bat Boy in a multitude of ways – some of which may be considered a bit unnatural. The cast of small town, self-righteous hicks are a hoot – especially when they get all whipped up into a religious frenzy by the hysterical traveling preacher and healer, Rev. Billy Bob Brimstone (Omri Schein), at a big revival meeting held under a vinyl cross that looks a lot like stained glass (“except it’s vinyl”). Visually the show is tasty treat with Brian Shevelenko’s lighting illuminating Loren Schreiber’s set that can be easily transitioned or imagined to be a dark, dank cave, a living room, a neighborhood of rusting aluminum siding, or a forest where several large animals enjoy the fruits of nature – where loving is valued more than judging. But in which of these various worlds are humans and Bat Boys supposed to co-exist?Performs through March 20, 2005.
~ Cast ~
Bat Boy: Jakko Maltis Dr. Thomas Parker: Jay Cranford Mrs. Meredith Parker: Ryan Beattie Shelley Parker: Nicole Werner Sheriff Reynolds: Kelly Baldwin Mrs. Taylor: Jamie Kalama Rick Taylor: Kevin Maldarelli Ruthie Taylor: Kelsey Venter Ron Taylor: Omri Schein Maggie: Elizabeth Bourus Lorraine: Heather Paton Daisy: Carolyn Correia Myrtle: Johamy Morales Bud: Juston Harlin Ned: Brandon Maier Roy: Joseph Almohaya Rev. Billy Bob Brimstone: Omri Schein Pan: Joseph Almohaya Institute Man: Brandon Maier Director: Dr. Rick Simas Musical Director: Dr. Terry O'Donnell Choreographer: Alison Bretches Stage Manager: Sean Alexander Scenic Design: Loren Schreiber Costume Design: Naomi Spinak Lighting Design: Brian Shevelenko Sound Design: Ben Jezowski |