Long Beach Playhouse Studio Theatre to Present BAT BOY

In 1992, a tabloid newspaper ran an allegedly true story about a half-bat-half-human child found in a West Virginia cave. Later, of course, the story was debunked, but not before Keythe Farley, Brian Flemming, and Laurence O'Keefe turned it into a musical entitled Bat Boy. Opening on October 17 at the Long Beach Playhouse; it will be the closing production for the 2015 Studio Theater season.

The production is directed by Andrew Vonderschmitt, Executive and Producing Artistic Director for the Playhouse. Technical Director Sean Gray, shows his considerable acting talent as Dr. Parker, the veterinarian whose family is at the center of the story.

"Bat Boy is a sharp, biting social commentary. The satire is amplified with a thrilling score in this highly entertaining production," said Vonderschmitt. "It's perfect for the Halloween season."

The story has 22 characters; that are played by 10 actors. The only actors not playing multiple characters are Bat Boy (named Edgar by his adopted family), Dr. Parker, and his wife and daughter.

Russell Malang is Bat Boy. This is his third musical at the Playhouse, his first in the starring role. His other appearances were in the Mainstage musicals, Fiddler on the Roof and Jesus Christ Superstar.

Halley Hardy makes her first acting appearance at the Playhouse. A dancer and choreographer, Halley choreographed the Studio production of Spring Awakening last year. Halley's beautiful singing voice gives great depth to the words she sings in this production.

"All of our actors are wonderful, but I have a special place in my heart for Brianna Beller who plays Ruthie. Brianna played Scout in our production of To Kill a Mockingbird four years ago, now she's back playing a teenager. It's a lot of fun to watch our young actors grow-up in our shows," said Vonderschmitt.

Other members of the cast are: Graham Wojcik, Austin Book, Courtney Duncan, Phie Mura, Rick Reischman, and LaVanna Atkinson-Williamson.

Bat Boy runs through November 14. Bat Boy contains adult language and content.

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS PLAY:

• Pay what you can Thursday October 15
• Two for One Preview Friday October 16- Tickets are $12.00
• Opening Night Champagne Reception with cast on October 17 - Tickets are $27.00

Adults are $24.00, seniors $21.00, and Students $14.00.
Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling 562-494-1014, option 1.

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