Bat Boy flies into Griffith Theater

Hoof ’N’ Horn takes on a dark comedy with Bat Boy, opening tonight, the story of a creature who is half-bat and half-boy. While the character of Bat Boy is the center of the musical, “It’s hard to describe briefly what the show is about,” as Louisa Watkins, playing the role of Meredith Parker, said. The members of the dysfunctional Parker family who adopt Bat Boy and their neighbors are as vital as the main character. The line between animal and man is tested and morality is questioned all because of the presence of an outsider in their community.

Bat Boy’s creators came up with the musical after reading reports in the Weekly World News of a similar bat boy creature in West Virginia. Director Colleen Denny said Hoof ‘N Horn chose to put on “the only muscial based on a tabloid story” because “it’s brand new,” having been written in the ’90s, which is practically yesterday in theater years.

In the last decade Bat Boy has gathered a large following despite having never been performed on Broadway. Batophiles, as fans call themselves, have created a plethora of websites including comics, blogs, and discussion boards. Followers are very protective of keeping the show’s bizarre ending from newcomers.

The music also reflects Bat Boy’s modernity as songs include a rap by teen characters and gospel, in addition to more traditional Broadway tunes. The shows live instrumentals provide a strong backing to the lyrics, but often prove overpowering as the music drowns out some performers.

The musical is simultaneously a comedy and a tragedy. In one song and dance number, Dr. Parker sings of trying to bring romance back into his marriage while holding a syringe with a lethal injection in his hand. Each morbid and twisted instance brings comic relief and sheds light on the characters’ impure reasons for their actions.

The cast is made up of various citizens of the small town, who pride themselves on their Christian principles, and support themselves financially through a cattle slaughter house. Contradictions between their Christian beliefs and their behavior is a pervasive theme. While they pride themselves on their compassion, they shun Bat Boy from their community and their cows are so malnourished that the slaughter house has to be shut down. Even Meredith Parker, who saves Bat Boy from death, does not have altruistic intentions. Consequently, Bat Boy shines through as the only character who remains true to his morals.

As Bat Boy transforms from a wild monster into a cultured young man, we see the other characters become more beastly and instinctual. Russell Hainline, as the title character, does an excellent job of portraying a creature who cannot talk at first, relying on unusual noises, vivid facial expressions, and physical movement. The plot becomes increasingly outrageous as Bat Boy transforms into a much more civilized creature than those who persecute him. The story iself is completely farfetched and unbelievable, yet the spectrum of emotions and the unpredictibilty of the show are compelling. As Watkins aptly stated, “We don’t know whether the audience will leave laughing or crying.”