02/09/2022
Ashland University Theatre continues its 2021-2022 season of Finding Your Place in the World with Bat Boy: The Musical, Story & Book by Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming, Music & Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe. Directed by guest director and adjunct instructor Shley Snider, this production will be performed in the Hugo Young Theatre Feb. 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 20 at 2 p.m. This musical contains adult themes and may not be appropriate for children under 12 years of age.
Based on a story in The Weekly World News, Bat Boy: The Musical is a comedy/horror show about a half boy half bat creature who is discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Virginia. The Bat Boy (Tobin Grendzynski, North Ridgeville), brought out of the cave by the local sheriff (Belle Ayala, Parma), is taken to Dr. Parker (Anthony Marchetta, Brecksville), the town veterinarian where Mrs. Parker (Lauren Vladyka, Willowick) and their daughter, Shelley (Leanna Uselton, Ashland) take him in.They affectionately name him Edgar and adopt him into their household. 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. This show asks audiences to see the world through the eyes of another and receive a lesson in compassion while watching Edgar navigate a small town trying to find his place in the world.
Also included in the cast are Jesse Baker (Loudonville) as Rick Taylor and Clem; Sean Repuyan (Ashland) as Roy Taylor and Bud; Katie Snell (Sandusky) as Ruthie Taylor and Roy; Mattie Vermilya (Findlay) as Mrs. Taylor; Bethany Double (Farmdale) as Reverend Billy Hightower; Haley Foss (Ontario) as Mayor Maggie; Lily Dowler (Mansfield) as Lorraine and Young Meredith; Lila Wolfe (Mansfield) as Ned; Anthony McFee (Newark) 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; Dusten Welch ‘07, fight choreographer. The student crew includes: Hermelinda(Mela) Abarca, Miranda Bielawsk, Syd Genter, 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. We recognize that this content may be challenging to some, and care for the audience's well-being is paramount. We hope 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.
