Theater Review: "Bat Boy" at Western CT State University

So “Bat Boy: The Musical” is not your everyday musical. It has a quirky story and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming and enjoyable music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe.
The students in the Western Connecticut State University proudly presented their well-rehearsed production last weekend only, after being forced to cancel the entire first weekend of scheduled performances.

“Bat Boy: The Musical” is an American rock musical based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat, dubbed "Bat Boy," who grew up living in a cave. The script deals with serious themes, such as hypocrisy, acceptance, forgiveness, racism, revenge and scapegoating, but often skewers the most serious moments with slapstick, surrealism, camp-horror and irony. The show also contains religious themes with biblical allusions.

Director Tim Howard, the Coordinator of the BFA Musical Theatre Program, sat proudly in the audience among many university students that had come out to support the performers at their closing performance. Musical director Dr. Justin P. Cowan made the students shine on their stage, along with the powerful choreography designed by Jen Turey.

The tight ensemble sang and danced together well when they weren’t stepping up to play some supporting roles or understudying for a major role (or two.)

Senior Raul Calderon of Waterbury (“Metamorphoses,” “Melancholy Play”) tackles the physically challenging role of Bat Boy/Edgar.

I saw junior Katie Geniuch play the role of Meredith Parker and she gave an extra special performance. She shared this role with Bella Bosco. Junior Ben Muchenthaler portrayed Dr. Thomas Parker, the town veterinarian. Senior Sydney Maher from Milford (“Melancholy Play”) portrayed the daughter of the couple, Shelley. She shared the role with Alyssa McDonald, a senior from Nyack, NY.

WCSU senior Berny Balbuena portrayed the town sheriff. Junior Liv Henrickson (“Head Over Heels”) played the role of Mrs. Taylor. Her three children were played by sophomore Ethan Rombalski (“Ernest and the Pale Moon”) as Rick, junior Jaxon Beirne (“Ernest and the Pale Moon”) from Milford as Ron and sophomore Kendyl Grace Davis as Ruthie.

Mayor Maggie was played by the extremely talented senior Chloe Kramer, who was amazing as Mrs. Lovett in WCSU’s “Sweeney Todd,” and it was great to see senior Teagan La’Shay (Mopsa in “Head Over Heels,” “Metamorphosis” at WCSU, “Pippin” at Playhouse on Park) as the revival preacher Rev. Billy Hightower.

Junior Immanuel Farmer (“Metamorphoses”) stepped up to play Pan in one odd scene. The remaining members of the ensemble included junior Antonio Porciello, junior Michael C. Ramsey, junior Tyler Manemeit from Clinton, sophomore Jacob Erdody, sophomore Jonah King, junior Jamishay Cammann, sophomore Imani Smith, junior Michelle D’Amico, junior Meaghan Maher, junior Micaela Ackermann, sophomore Audrey Loverro and junior Cara Leahy.

The scenic design by Elizabeth Popiel worked as a cave, a revival hall and anything else. There was a beautiful drop for the revival tent.Lighting designed by Scott Cally seemed to be ever-changing and enhanced the look of it all. Sound design by Gabe Bennett didn’t overwhelm the orchestra, but I had a bit of difficulty understanding some of the lyrics and even dialogue from my seat. Costumes designed by senior Courtney Skeens were well-suited to each of the various characters, and included some bat ears for the title character.

The off-stage orchestra was conducted by Dr. Cowan on keyboard 1, Dan Koch on keyboard 2, Sean Donaher playing guitar, Christopher McNellis on bass and Eric Wagner on drums.

I was glad to be able to see the final performance of this show that the students had obviously worked very hard to get up on their stage. “Bat Boy” contains mature themes, language and dialogue describing sexual violence.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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