THEATRE RESPONSE: BAT BOY

Last night I had a wonderful time attending the opening night of Ray of Light's current production of BAT BOY. I really have to be more open-minded about titles of musicals. After all I was the one that for the longest time said "there's a show called Urinetown - where the fuck is musical theatre headed?!" I know, I know.

Bat Boy is filled with campy characters, a fun filled score and with this production - an energized & talented bunch of performers. My friend Erin Cole who served as choreographer and filled in as production supervisor for director James Monroe Iglehart (currently in Spelling Bee in Boston) and she did an amazing job. Her choreography was just perfect for the style of the show. I am sad I didn't get to see it last year but from what I have heard this year the production is even better.

The ensemble cast is top-notch and I must of course start by mentioning my friends - Mike Padilla does an amazing job as Dr. Parker - this is the best role I have seen him do. You go baby! My deliciously talented pal Soila Munoz is a little scene stealer with her different characters and Daron Lamar Williams raises the roof with his wild preacher character.

I was very impressed with Eli Newson's performance in the title role - it is a very demanding role - both physically and vocally and he steps up to the plate and hits a home run - equally talented is Leanne Borghesi as Mrs. Parker. I brought two friends from school to see the show with me - Elana Ron & Francesca Camus and we had the best time. It was also nice seeing Richard Connema there and some of the folks from TheatreWorks - Jaime, Josh & Vickie Rozell who is the resident dramaturg there and was dramaturg for Ray of Light's production.

The only thing I can really comment on is the sound system - it didn't serve the actors well and there was some feedback so I missed some of the lyrics but other than that this production is out of this world and I highly recommend it. It plays through November 12 - don't miss it.