“Bat Boy: The Musical” coming to AU’s Hugo Young Theatre Feb. 17-20

ASHLAND, Ohio – The department of theatre at Ashland University continues its 2021-22 theme of “Finding Your Place in the World” by presenting “Bat Boy: The Musical” Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 17-20. All performances will take place at the Hugo Young Theatre, with the Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday’s matinee at 2 p.m. This musical contains adult themes and may not be appropriate for children under 12.

“Bat Boy: The Musical” was written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe. This production will be directed by Shley Snider, guest director and adjunct instructor at Ashland.

Based on a 1992 Weekly World News story, “Bat Boy: The Musical” is a comedy/horror show about a half boy/half bat creature discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, W. Va. The Bat Boy, played by Tobin Grendzynski, is brought out of the cave by the local sheriff, played by Belle Ayala, and taken to Dr. Parker, the town veterinarian who will be played by Anthony Marchetta. Mrs. Parker and their daughter, Shelley, played by Lauren Vladyka and Leanna Uselton, respectively, take him in, affectionately name him Edgar and adopt him. Edgar tries to find love and acceptance in a town full of narrow-minded people who refuse to accept him. Shelley and Edgar find themselves in a young, short-lived romance before finding out the true nature of Edgar’s origins.

“Bat Boy: The Musical” asks audiences to see the world through the eyes of another and receive a lesson in compassion, while watching Edgar attempt to find his place in the world.

Also included in the cast are Jesse Baker as Rick Taylor and Clem; Sean Repuyan as Roy Taylor and Bud; Katie Snell as Ruthie Taylor and Roy; Mattie Vermilya as Mrs. Taylor; Bethany Double as Rev. Billy Hightower; Haley Foss as Mayor Maggie; Lily Dowler as Lorraine and Young Meredith; Lila Wolfe as Ned; and Anthony McFee as Daisy.

The production staff is composed of Deb Logan, music director; Seth Morrison ‘18, scenic designer, lighting designer and technical director; D. Justin Bilewicz ‘09, costume designer; Katie Gibson, choreographer; Richard B. Ingraham, sound designer; and Dusten Welch ‘07, fight choreographer. The student crew includes Hermelinda (Mela) Abarca, Miranda Bielawsk, Syd Genter, Tiffany Kimball, Ashli Lucio, Magan Miller, Tyler Rice, Tia Shanklin, Tiffany Sims and Emily Troyer.

This production contains small amounts of emotionally difficult and/or triggering material. Physical action includes violence. Dialogue includes discussion of discrimination, violence and sexual assault, which may be challenging to some. AU’s care for the audience's well-being is paramount, and the hope is that this production encourages mindful discussions and open dialogue.

Tickets can be purchased from the AU campus store in person or by going to ashland.universitytickets.com. Tickets are $2 for AU students, $5 for non-AU students and $10 for adults, faculty/staff and senior citizens. Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

Ashland University is a mid-sized, private university conveniently located a short distance from Akron, Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio. Ashland University (www.ashland.edu) values the individual student and offers a unique educational experience that combines the challenge of strong applied academic programs with a faculty and staff who build nurturing relationships with their students.