Review Roundup: BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL at NY City Center

Bat Boy: The Musical is now running at New York City Center through November 9. Bat Boy stars Gabi Carrubba (Shelley Parker), Tom McGowan (Sheriff Reynolds), Jacob Ming-Trent (Reverend Hightower), Marissa Rosen (Daisy), Colin Trudell (Charley), Kerry Butler (Meredith Parker), Andrew Durand (Rick Taylor), Mary Faber (Lorraine), Alan H Green (Bud), Evan Harrington (Ned), John-Michael Lyles (Ron Taylor/Rancher), Alex Newell (The God Pan), Olivia Puckett (Ruthie Taylor/Rancher), Christopher Sieber (Dr. Parker), Taylor Trensch (Bat Boy), Rema Webb (Maggie), and Marissa Jaret Winokur (Mrs. Taylor).  

Bat Boy: The Musical is inspired by a popular tabloid article from the 1990s and gained cult classic status when it premiered Off-Broadway in 2001. Directed by two-time Tony winner Alex Timbers with Music Director Andrew Resnick and choreography by Connor Gallagher.

Now with several brand-new songs and revised book by the original creators, and expanded orchestrations by O’Keefe and Ben Green, this revival delves deeper into the musical’s themes of identity, acceptance, and the healing power of love. See what the critics are saying here...

Elisabeth Vincentelli, The New York Times: Indeed, therein may lie the secret to the durability of “Bat Boy,” a show that has overcome its appearance of novelty: The story may be nutty, but it proceeds with a straight face and a firm commitment to feeling, laughter and craftsmanship. Now that’s a hybrid that’s hard to breed.

Jackson McHenry, Vulture: While Timbers and O’Keefe have said they considered this revival with an eye to the show’s underlying message—essentially, don’t deny your inner beast—the idea comes across much better through gleeful nonsense than through tidiness. By the finale, we’ve moved past “be yourself” inspiration, anyway. In the grand tradition of Little Shop and Carrie, Bat Boy gives into its guignol instincts and provides us with a lot of blood. Thank god. Don’t we all, deep down, just want to rip the heads off stuffed animals?

Matthew Wexler, One-Minute Critic: Scenic designer David Korins (Ragtime) amps up the production value, and a rousing supporting cast, including Andrew Durrand (Dead Outlaw) and Alex Newell as The God Pan, helps Bat Boy take flight, even when its wacky plot threatens to strand you in a dark cave without a flashlight.

Average Rating: 83.3%