(PLAINFIELD, NJ) -- Catalyst Theater Company presents Bat Boy: The Musical across two weekends (November 8-17, 2024) at duCret Center of Art. The inspiration for Bat Boy was drawn from a 1992 story in Weekly World News, known for publishing bizarre, satirical tales. This American Horror Rock Musical/Comedy captures the unique blend of horror, camp, comedy, and tragedy of the original tabloid story.
The story was about a half boy/half bat creature who was found in a cave in Hope Falls, West Virginia. This tabloid-like absurdity permeates the musical’s tone—balancing melodrama with humor. The score incorporates a variety of musical styles, from rock to gospel to pop, heightening the campy, B-movie vibe. The playful use of genre adds to the absurdity, even in darker moments.
Bat Boy is brought to the home of Dr. Parker, the town veterinarian, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by Parker’s wife and daughter. At its heart, Bat Boy explores themes of duality— between human and beast, civilized and feral, love and hatred. The character’s struggle to fit into a society that demands conformity parallels real-world conversations about identity and acceptance. Dr. Parker symbolizes the destructive impact of toxic masculinity and unchecked authority. His manipulation of Bat Boy and the town reflects the consequences of societal pressure to suppress one’s authentic self.
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. duCret Center of Art is located at 1020 Central Avenue in Plainfield, New Jersey.
Despite its humorous and playful approach, the story ends on a somber note, driving home the themes of intolerance and the destructive nature of secrecy. The final twist brings a poignant sense of inevitability. Bat Boy: The Musical has become a cult favorite over the years because of its quirky mix of humor and pathos, offering audiences a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. It is a heart-wrenching drama laced together with a wildly entertaining, B-movie quality. It is a hauntingly hysterical story of Bat Boy not to be missed!
Bat Boy: The Musical features a Story and Book by Keythe Farley and Brian Fleming with Music and Lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe. It is licensed under agreement with Weekly World News.
Director David Boyd has spent his life working in production since a very early age. He is a Charge Scenic Artist throughout the New York City Entertainment Industry having worked on a large variety of major motion pictures, theater and episodic television productions. Some of his favorite credits include Sex and the City, Rabbit Hole, Urinetown, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Across the Universe, Follies, with most recently Wu-Tang and major motion picture Mr. Harrigan’s Phone on Netflix. David’s directing career began post graduate from North Dakota State University where he studied as a director/actor/designer. He has directed and produced several theatre productions including Pippin, Nunsense, Steel Magnolias, The Lion in Winter and Little Shop of Horrors and is very excited to be back in the saddle of directing and producing with this new and exciting boutique production of BAT BOY.
Catalyst Theater Company Productions is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit theater company dedicated to the creation of progressive theatrical experiences that stimulate the imagination and facilitate an emotional transformation through the shared experience between artist and audience.
In 2018, a spark ignited in Plainfield when professional scenic designer David Boyd took a leap of faith to direct his favorite musical, Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens by Michael Fidler. With a vibrant vision in mind, he set out to find a theater company to bring it to life. Undeterred by the challenge, David rallied a group of passionate locals, embarking on an exhilarating journey that would culminate in the founding of Catalyst Theater Company.
However, just as the company was gaining momentum, the world was thrown into turmoil. The pandemic brought live theater to a standstill, leaving artists in limbo. Yet, through this adversity, resilience became Catalyst’s guiding mantra.
Fast forward to 2022, a year ripe with renewed possibilities. On October 20, Catalyst Theater Company finally made its mark with the long-anticipated production of Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens. The show electrified audiences, with every performance selling out, proving that the wait had only intensified the community’s hunger for live theater.
Building on this success, 2023 saw Catalyst take another bold step forward with their second production, Elling by Simon Bent, directed by the talented Nancy Kutzer. The excitement in rehearsals was palpable, and once again, audiences responded enthusiastically, solidifying Catalyst’s position as the only professional theater in the Plainfield community.
In early 2024, Catalyst burst onto the scene with a dazzling LOVE Cabaret, a benefit event that set the stage ablaze with passion and creativity. The two-night extravaganza was such a resounding success that it inspired a follow-up LAUGH Cabaret in May, bringing audiences back for more laughter and joy. These electrifying productions showcased the incredible talents of actors from past shows, allowing them to shine as they delivered an unforgettable mix of powerful vocals, hilarious skits, and interactive games. It was a celebration of artistry and community that left everyone eagerly anticipating what Catalyst would conjure up next!
Catalyst strives to build one of the region’s favorite professional theater companies by creating an artistic environment that celebrates our shared experience and humanity, while bringing to life theatrical experiences that ignite passion in our collective souls.
