Catalyst Theater Company presents "Bat Boy: The Musical"

Friday, November 15, 2024 @ 8:00pm

duCret Center of Art
1030 Central Ave, Plainfield, NJ 07060

Based on a story in the Weekly Reader News 1992, BAT BOY:  THE MUSICAL is an American Horror Rock Musical/Comedy about a half boy/half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia, a coal mining and cattle town with a population of 500. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings the feral Bat Boy to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley.  Bat Boy is happy with his new life, but when he naively and innocently tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bat Boy.  Shelley and Bat Boy, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant townsfolk and have a blissful coupling in the woods, but their brief happiness is shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a secret that rocks their reality. Soon the entire town arrives and hears the shocking story of Bat Boy’s unholy origin.

BAT BOY the musical has much to say regarding societal norms, religion, sexual awakening, toxicity of secrets, love and the actualisation of one’s “beast” within. It is a heart wrenching drama all laced together with a wildly entertaining style that give it a “B-Movie” quality.  Come experience the hauntingly hysterical story of Bat Boy if you dare. 

The production is directed by David Boyd (who is also the producer and set designer) with Michael Nuzzo as musical director and Sheila Barker as choreographer. The cast includes Nick Rubano (Bat Boy/Edgar), Scott McGowan (Dr. Thomas Parker), Jimmy Jesberger (Rick Taylor), Patrick Comey (Reverend Billy Hightower), Rach Phelan (Maggie), Beth Siegling (Shelley Parker), Tracey Lynne Haskell (Meredith Parker), Michael Buck (Ron Taylor), Aliza Liranzo (Sheriff Reynolds), and Rachel Saint Francis (Ruthie Taylor).

Performances take place Friday, November 8 at 8:00pm; Saturday, November 9 at 8:00pm; Thursday, November 14 at 8:00pm; Friday, November 15 at 8:00pm; Saturday, November 16 at 8:00pm; and Sunday, November 17 at 6:00pm.  Tickets are $60 and available for purchase online.