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by dick kerekes
dickkerekes@yahoo.com
One of the hottest theatre tickets in town until July 28, will be for Batboy; The Musical, which recently opened at Players by the Sea in Jacksonville Beach. Six more performances remain on July 19, 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28 at 8 pm at l06 N. 10th Street.
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Based on a series of stories from the tabloid Weekly World News, Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming fashioned the book about a half-boy/half-bat creature into a musical horror spoof with Laurence O’Keefe adding the music and lyrics. It debuted Off Broadway in 200l and won the Outer Critics Circle Award for best musical. It has become popular around the country and has reached cult status.
It is definitely a big hit at Players, and not just with the younger set. Many of the audience on opening night were over forty and they were almost rolling in the aisles with laughter.
The plot is simple. Batboy is rescued from a cave in Hope Falls, West Virginia, and taken in by the sympathetic wife, Meredith (Staci Cobb), of the veterinarian, Dr. Parker (Bill Ratliff). Named “Edgar” by his mentor Meredith, he soon learns to speak and becomes mostly civilized. He just can’t seem to give up his blood diet. He falls in love with Dr. Parker’s rebellious teenage daughter Shelley (Miranda Lawson) and she returns the sentiment. Dark secrets and danger loom for the Parker family as the town folks show their intolerance for the new boy in town.
The show zips along at a hilariously fast pace with songs that include rap, gospel, pop, tango, country and rock. It features snappy and colorful dances from three choreographers, Sam Willis, Sara John and Niki Stokes. The band is led by Musical Director Ellen Milligan on keyboard, who is perched on top of the set with Jonah Pierre, Jarrett Carter and Tony Steve who accompany with a guitar, percussion and second keyboard. Their performance was, to my ear, flawless!
Director Shirley Sacks continues her amazing record of perfect casting, because this cast couldn’t be better. Ms. Sacks and David Paul designed the set, a sheet-metal marvel that looks like the entrance to a mine and cave. Mr. Paul, as technical director, combined his talents with Michael Lipp’s sound design to make us truly feel we were in a cave during the opening scene.
You will hear some of best voices in this area in Batboy. Ms. Cobb and Ms. Lawson are always at their best. Bill Ratliff surprised me but only because I never realized he could sing.
I can’t go into all of the wonderfully wild scenes, but two stood out. Lee Hamby, who designed the costumes, does a show-stopping number in Act II as Reverend Billy Hightower. Lee plays other parts as well. He is equally as hilarious as Mrs. Taylor, the woman who wants Batboy killed.
The ‘Children Children’ number is led by Julian Goldhagen, as Pan the God in a parody of ‘Circle of Life.’ The entire cast is on stage looking like stuffed animals, and doing suggestive (albeit funny) things as they whirl around the stage. I’d say the show is rated PG-l3, with no earthy language but some implied sexuality. If your kids are under twelve, leave them home!
Josh Waller tops himself with each role he performs on local stages. I thought he was at his best as Cole Porter in Red, Hot & Cole, but he is incredibly good as Batboy. He even went the extra mile by shaving his head and growing fanged teeth and pointed ears. Waller is phenomenon and captures the essence of this creature, which also happens to have a glorious singing voice.
Each performer was incredibly unique and good. This very batty cast includes Michael Lipp, Russel Hainline, Maya Adkins, Tracy Olin, Tyler Ross, Renee Freeman, John Cohen, Rachel Hineman and Samuel Willis. You will see a lot of them all since they act as a chorus for several numbers. Don’t miss this show! Where else are you going to hear such wonderful songs as ‘Another Dead Cow,’ ‘Hold Me Batboy,’ ‘Apology to a Cow,’ and fourteen other equally impressive musical treats.
This show is a funny dark comedy that is very entertaining with an underlying message of accepting those who are different. Want more information? Visit Playersbythesea.org.
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