Casting Call: 'Bat Boy: The Musical'

Next week, Edison Valley Playhouse will hold auditions for "Bat Boy: The Musical," a show inspired by a series of tabloid headlines published in 1992 by The Weekly World News claiming that a terrifying creature, half-man and half-bat, had been discovered in a cave, escaped, and was being pursued by government officials.

A group of spelunking West Virginian teenagers discover Bat Boy near Hope Falls. For lack of a better solution, the local sheriff brings him to the home of the town veterinarian, Dr. Parker, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family, named "Edgar," and taught to act like a "normal" boy by the veterinary surgeon's wife, Meredith, and teenage daughter, Shelley. Edgar is happy with his new life, but when he naively tries to fit in with the narrow-minded people of Hope Falls, they turn on him, prodded by the machinations of Dr. Parker, who secretly despises Edgar. He and Shelley, who have fallen in love, run away together from the ignorant townsfolk and have a blissful coupling in the woods. Their happiness is shattered, however, when Meredith arrives and reveals the dark story of his unholy origin.

Auditionees should prepare 32 measures of a contemporary musical theater piece, for which an accompanist will be provided; a resumé; and a headshot. Only those called back will need to dance. Auditionees must be at least 18 years old. Auditions will take place from 7-10 p.m. September 14 and 15; callbacks will be held September 16 as needed. Those interested in auditioning who are unable to make it September 14 and 15 but are available the 16^th should contact the director to see if they can be accomodated.

The director seeks a diverse cast of ten who excel at singing, dancing, and acting with extremely secure vocal technique in Legit and Contemporary styles and an solid understanding of comedy. Four of the character arrangements are listed in the table below; the rest are beneath.

Bat Boy/Edgar (18-22, B2-A4 [falsetto to E5], tenor)	A human-bat hybrid who develops from a primitive, unrefined creature to a well-rounded and civilized human.
Shelley Parker  (18-22, Ab2-Ab4 [+ raps], soprano)	The Parker's rebellious daughter. Transforms from a spoiled brat who taunts Bat Boy into a young woman who falls in love with him and protects him from the town's wrath. This actor also plays Woman 1.
Meredith Parker (35-50, F2-F4, mezzo-soprano)	Shelley's mother, the epitome of the perfect housewife. Holds a dark secret. This actor also plays Woman 2.
Dr. Thomas Parker (35-55, Ab2 - A4, tenor)	The town veterinarian; grows to secretly despise Edgar. Driven mad by his hatred and jealousy, he manipulates the situation using his veterinarian skills to his advantage, even at the cost of human life. This actor also plays Man 3.

Actor 5 (male) will play Sheriff Reynolds, an animal, and Man 4. Actor 6 (male) will play Rick Taylor, Lorraine, Mr. Dillon, an animal, and Man 5. Actor 7 (female) will play Ruthie Taylor, Ned, an animal, and Woman 3. Actor 8 (female) will play Ron Taylor, Mayor Maggie, Clem, an animal, and Woman 4. Actor 9 (male) will play Rev. Hightower, Mrs. Taylor, Roy, Institute Man, an animal, and Man 2. Actor 10 (male) will play Bud, Daisy, Pan, a doctor, and Man 1.

The show is directed by Christopher J. Guell. Performances will be October 3 through November 7.

For more information, click here. Edison Valley Playhouse is located at 2196 Oak Tree Road, Edison.