The Southern

Issue date: 2/19/10 Section: Opinion

[Click to enlarge]

Florida Southern College's theater department presents this high-energy musical, "Bat Boy" in hopes of drawing in a more student-oriented audience by giving them a show filled with non-stop humor, theatrical dancing, a few acrobatic moves, as well as a few men in drag.

This performance shows the audience what Bat Boy's life became after he was discovered. Once dropped off at the home of the Parkers, Bat Boy experiences many drastic changes in his life.

The Parkers see to it that Bat Boy gets an education so that one day he may be accepted by the town. Unfortunately, not everything goes the way he and his adoptive family plan as the town refuses to see how he has changed.

The plot will keep the audience entranced with its constant twists. There is mystery, romance, suspense and tears throughout the musical. This show brings to life the idea that nothing is ever black and white.

Although filled with laughter and up-beat music, the ups and downs of Bat Boy's story represent the serious issues of society. "Bat Boy" subtlety shows the audience the dangers of hypocrisy, racism, revenge, extremism and why forgiveness is one of the most important parts of life.

The characters in the show surprise the audience with the level of emotion portrayed through their acting and singing. Throughout the performance, the actors are able to increase the audiences' sympathy for each singing character.

In act one the Greek chorus sets the musical's overall tone, giving the audience small hints at what's to happen next.

"Bat Boy's" cast shows a great group chemistry that allows the musical to flow. While no actor is always perfect, where one actor does not adequately portray their character the other actors on stage step up and more than make up for it.

Carlos Leon, playing Bat Boy, brings his character to life, always able to accurately show the changes that Bay Boy goes through.

Jim Beck, director of "Bat Boy," was inspired to bring "Bat Boy" to FSC after seeing the musical in Toronto in 2005. Beck wanted to bring a contemporary feel to the stage to bring in a larger student crowd.

"It's a real contemporary, wacky show with strong social undercurrents," Beck said. "It's based on the Weekly World News character from 1992."

Musical rehearsals began four weeks ago and lasted about four hours each time. Special effects for the show are new and more complex than the theater has used before.

Actors descend from the ceiling, actors hang upside down on poles, and there is plenty of fake blood. The show is intricate due to all of its details, technical demands and layers of movement and choreography.

"I am impressed by our actors who work like professionals," Beck said, "Bringing their own thoughts and character creations to the rehearsal process, rather than waiting to create their characters and business by direction or in front of an audience. Their professional approach to their craft allows us to go further in creating a more dynamic production with fully-rounded characters."

This upbeat musical will leave the audience singing "Hold Me Bat Boy."

Showings in Buckner Theater are on Feb. 19 - 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 21. at 2:30 p.m.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools