This is a press release from the Cal Poly Humboldt School of Dance, Music, and Theatre:
Lily Linz as Shelly, Peter Nielsen as Bat Boy
SWEET WOUNDED JESUS!
“Bat Boy: The Musical” is hitting the stage at Cal Poly Humboldt in April. Based on the 1992 Weekly World News headline, “Bat Boy: The Musical” is a cult-hit horror-comedy about a half-boy, half-bat creature discovered in a West Virginia cave. Adopted by a local veterinarian’s family, Edgar tries to fit into a small, intolerant town, leading to a dark, comedic, and heart-wrenching tale of scapegoating and humanity. Presented by the Department of Dance, Music, and Theatre at Cal Poly Humboldt, “Bat Boy” is directed by MIchael Fields with Musical Direction by Elisabeth Harrington. The show opens April 3rd at the John Duzer Theatre. SHow times are April 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th at 7:30pm and April 5th and 12th at 2:00 pm. Tickets are $15 General and $10 for Students/Seniors. Tickets are available at
tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre.
“Bat Boy is unlike any production I have worked on. It is a musical. I have done those. It is bloody. I have done that. It is topical in its thematic content. I have gone there. But the way it has combined those elements in a work of theatre is unusual and provocative to say the least.” says director Michael Fields. “It has the potential to knock you upside the head and physically make you squirm. Its style runs the gamut from melodrama, to musical comedy to grand guignol. Yet the characters need to be played for real. They are not cut outs or representations but struggling with real dilemmas of their own making. It does not fit the easy cookie cutter of style. We live in messy times. This is messy theatre.” Peter Nielsen, portraying the “Bat Boy,” concurs with the sentiment. “…It’s about the story rather than the gore or the “camp” of it all; we tell a meaningful message without drawing on too many tropes. “Bat Boy” transcends the divide between civilized and chaotic, showcasing the depths of human emotion and what it means to become human.”
The production itself, beyond the story, will be sure to entertain the audience, “I’m excited to mess around with fake blood and get to do physical acting in a number of scenes. It has a phenomenal soundtrack.” says Peter Nielsen. “Bat Boy” features a rock-influenced score by Laurence O’Keefe (composer of Legally Blonde and Heathers). Savannah Rivers, who plays “Mrs. Taylor” gives some words of advice, “The music is spectacular. Don’t sit in the front row unless you want to be in the splash zone…”
Don’t miss out on this chance to see “Bat Boy” at Cal Poly Humboldt. Savannah Rivers urges you to come see it, “EVERYONE involved in this production is top notch talent. I am beyond grateful to work with such amazing individuals. At the end of the day, the goal of theatre is to tell a story. I strongly believe our show does exactly that.” As does the “Bat Boy,” “We’re all putting a lot of work into this production and it’s great to see what we can create with the resources and talents provided by all different areas of the production team. We have an amazing show and I’m excited for people to see it!” Ryan McClain, portraying “Dr. Thomas Parker” adds his two cents, “This show has so much power behind it, and presents real-world messages in such a surreal way. It is absolutely a must-watch. The way it’s been put together is dark, heartbreaking, and beautiful at the same time. There is so much here to see, and the only way to get all of it is to go out and see it!”
Indeed.
When: April 3, 4, 10, 11 at 7:30pm and April 5, 12 at 2pm
Where: John Van Duzer Theatre, Cal Poly Humboldt
Price: $15 General, $10 Students/Seniors
Ticket Purchase: tickets.humboldt.edu/dance-music-and-theatre
Contact: Cal Poly Humboldt School of Dance, Music, and Theatre, 707-826-3566, [email protected]
Rylan McClain as Dr. Parker
Noah-Charlie Regan as Reverend Hightower, Peter Nielsen as Bat Boy