Civic's 'Bat' Bold And Brash
Civic's 'Bat' bold and brash
Dark musical comedy features strong vocals
REVIEW
BY JENN MCKEE
The Ann Arbor News
When a show is inspired by a campy tabloid story - as is the cult off-Broadway hit “Bat Boy: The Musical,” now being staged by the Ann Arbor Civic Theatre - you have to expect something a little weird. But the word “weird” falls well short of describing exactly where “Bat Boy” goes as it hurtles toward its unconventional end.
Not that this is necessarily a bad thing. Being surprised, or even startled, by a musical’s conclusion doesn’t happen often. So in the end, whether the show’s to your taste or not, the sheer boldness of “Bat Boy” makes it an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
With a story and book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming, and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe, “Bat Boy” begins when three teenage siblings go caving and discover a half-human, half-bat hybrid. When they bring Bat Boy (Andy Ballnik) back to their town, the veterinarian’s wife, Meredith Parker (Linzi Joy Bokor), takes him into her care and tries to socialize him. However, others in the town aren’t so quick to embrace this odd stranger.
Musical theater fans should have a blast spotting “Bat Boy’”s subtle, embedded references to other shows, particularly within O’Keefe’s eclectic score, which features some terrific numbers (“Hold Me, Bat Boy” and “Comfort and Joy,” to name two). And although I defy anyone from the opening night audience to recite lines from the rap number “Watcha Wanna Do” - I never caught more than an occasional phrase - the vocal ensemble otherwise sounds great under the fine musical direction of Brian E. Buckner.
Standouts among the cast include Ballnik and Bokor, as well as Kyle Serilla as Meredith’s bitter husband; and Erin Donevan, whose vocals are on best display during duets. Rachel Francisco’s choreography, meanwhile, communicates humor and personality while hitting the right notes tonally; and Timo Anderson’s surefooted and careful direction effectively pulls it all together.
Of course, potential patrons should know that “Bat Boy” is for mature audiences, and it definitely has a dark side. (You’ll spot one of the story’s “secrets” from a mile away, though precisely how it happened will leave you slack-jawed.) But if you like musical theater that takes significant risks, this “Bat’”s for you.
"Bat Boy: The Musical"continues at 8 tonight and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre, at 911 N. University Ave. in Ann Arbor. Tickets are $24, with discounts available for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door, but to reserve them in advance, call 734-971-2228, or visit www.a2ct.org.