BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL Opens At The University of the Arts 4/24

Based on the 1992 story in The Weekly World News about a half boy/half bat discovered in a cave in Hope Falls, West Virginia, “Bat Boy: The Musical” takes flight at the stage at the Arts Bank Theater at the University of the Arts beginning April 24.

Directed by University of the Arts School of Theater Arts faculty member Rick Stoppleworth, “Bat Boy: The Musical” tells the comedy/horror tale about the creature, who, for lack of a better solution, is taken into the home of the local veterinarian, Dr. Parker. Bat Boy is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by the vet’s wife Meredith and teenage daughter Shelley.

“My draw to ‘Bat Boy’ is simple,” said Stoppleworth. “Who can resist a musical that conflates Frankenstein and Dracula with the musical styling of ‘Hair’ and ‘Rent?’ ‘Bat Boy’ ranges from gothic to guffaw, while remaining both sincere and compellingly human. This story of ignorance and prejudice is well worth telling, especially as it’s revealed in this very unconventional and entertaining musical.”

Bat Boy is happy with his new life but when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Bay Boy. Shelley and Bat Boy fall in love and run away from the ignorant townsfolk. They have a blissful coupling in the woods, but their happiness is shattered when Meredith arrives and reveals a secret. Soon, the entire town arrives and hears the shocking story of Bat Boy’s unholy origin.

Starring Musical Theater junior Michael Linden (Roslyn Heights, N.Y.) as Bat Boy; Musical Theater senior Brad Greer (Hampton, Ga.) as Dr. Parker; Musical Theater junior Clare O’Malley (Dublin, Ireland); and Musical Theater sophomore Carrie Bauer (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) as Shelly.

The University of the Arts is the nation’s first and only university dedicated to the visual, performing and communication arts. Its 2,300 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs on its campus in the heart of Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts. The institution’s roots as a leader in educating creative individuals date back to 1868.