Bat Boy

 Bat Boy
Annual Gala Presentation
New York City Center
October 31, 2025

Photo courtesy of City Center

The New York City Center Annual Gala Presentation of Bat Boy is electrifying.  Laurence O’Keefe’s score is energetic and bold.  It sets a mysterious tone, while building a distinctive world where unusual events are believable.  His lyrics layer in humor and moments of discovery that propel the action.  The story, by Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming, is unique and full of surprises.  Their writing succinctly establishes bizarre, sympathetic characters that are emotionally engaging.  Director Alex Timbers finds the rhythm and pace that sets it all ablaze.  The cast is stupendous, creating the perfect balance of macabre fantasy and realistic drama. 

When a Bat Boy (played by Taylor Trensch) is found in a cave by three sibling adventurers (played by Andrew Durand, Olivia Puckett, & John-Michael Lyles), Sheriff Reynolds (played by Tom McGowan) seeks the expertise of Dr. Parker, the town veterinarian (played by Christopher Sieber).  Dr. Parker’s wife, Meredith (played by Kerry Butler), tenderly cares for the creature.  She teaches it to speak and read.  She names it Edgar.  When the townspeople grow suspicious and voice their apprehension, Meredith and her daughter, Shelley (played by Gabi Carrubba), jump to Edgar’s defense.  This makes Dr. Parker dangerously jealous.  He takes extreme action to fire up the townspeople’s fear, which quickly gets out of hand.  This brings Shelley and Edgar closer, which forces Meredith to reveal a dark, buried secret.

Kerry Butler & Taylor Trensch
Photo courtesy of City Center

Taylor Trensch is phenomenal as Edgar.  His physicality creates a shocking creature, who then
transforms into an intelligent young man.  His vocal quality adds humor and sophistication to his genially grotesque character.  He exhibits terrifying flashes where his untamed tendencies overpower his learned behavior.  His timing in these moments is impeccable, making them jarring and authentic.  

Kerry Butler portrays Merdith as a staunch conservative.  This is vastly contrasted in the scenes where she opens her heart to Edgar.  They are genuine, warm, and touching.  She and Mr. Trensch develop a trusting and honest connection.  Gabi Carrubba’s Shelley is rebellious and independent.  She discovers a different side of herself after spending time with Edgar.  She becomes thoughtful and emotionally aware, compelling the story to take a deep dive in the second act.  Dr. Parker’s reaction to his family’s allure to Edgar is unsettling.  Christopher Sieber successfully plays this lethal descent into madness for every laugh he can, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.

Christopher Sieber as Dr. Parker
Photo courtesy of City Center

Alex Newell is stunning and magical in their cameo appearance as The God Pan.  There are also outstanding performances by Marissa Jaret Winokur, Tom Mc Gowan, Andrew Durand, Jacob Ming-Trent, Olivia Puckett, John-Michael Lyles, and an excellent ensemble. 

Bat Boy is playing at City Center through November 9.  This is an excellent production.  It is fun and entertaining, while delivering a pertinent message of acceptance.  Don’t miss it! 

Domenick Danza

Death Becomes Her

 Death Becomes Her
Lunt-Fontainne Theatre
November 2, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Death Becomes Her

Death Becomes Her is a bold and brassy new Broadway musical, based on the 1992 movie of the same title.  The music and lyrics, by Julia Mattison and Noel Carey, are dazzling, energetic, and zestful.  The songs both drive the plot and offer an insightful look into the characters.  Marco Pennette’s book is crisp, campy, and full of one-liners that bring the house down.  Christopher Gattelli’s direction is fast paced, and his choreography is vigorous.  It keeps the audience fully engaged.  The cast is great, and the ensemble creates an atmosphere that allows the audience to joyfully buy into the magic and mystery of the storyline.

Helen Sharp (played by Jennifer Simard) introduces her life-long friend and two-time Academy Award nominated actress, Madeline Ashton (played by Megan Hilty), to her fiancé, Ernest Menville (played by Christopher Sieber).  At first, Madeline is not impressed.  She then finds out that Ernest is a plastic surgeon.  She immediately puts her hooks into him, and steals him from Helen.  This is the last straw for Helen, who has suffered from Madeline’s petty jealousies for decades.  She winds up in a mental hospital, and vows to seek revenge. 

Megan Hilty & Jennifer Simard
Photo courtesy of Death Becomes Her

Fast forward ten years.  Madeline’s career has gone downhill, and her marriage to Ernest is failing.  Meanwhile, Helen has published a new bestseller, looks fabulous, and is riding high on her success.  This sends Madeline into a downward spiral, until she meets Viola Van Horn (played by Michelle Williams), who sells her a potion that restores her youthful looks.  It does, however, come with a serious warning.

Megan Hilty and Jennifer Simard are amazing as Madeline and Helen.  Their characterizations are over the top.  Their comic timing is perfect, and their singing is spectacular.  The scene where Madeline falls down a flight of stairs is skillfully staged.  The biggest surprise is when she loses her head, literally.  Megan Hilty plays the next scene with her head on the bar cart.  It is hysterical… and highly effective.  Christopher Sieber plays Ernest with heart.  Both women use him for their selfish need, yet he never gives up on himself.  

Michelle Williams & the Ensemble
Photo courtesy of Death Becomes Her

Scenic design by Derek McLane is sumptuous.  The lighting by Justin Townsend is superb.  Paul Tazwell’s costumes are incredible and full of imagination.  There are a lot of very fast changes, both for costumes and sets.  Everything is seamless and brilliantly paced.  This creates a stunning glamour that, combined with the campy, over the top humor, gives this show an opulent style of its own.

Death Becomes Her is playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre.  It is presently in preview, and officially opens on November 21.  Go see it! 

Domenick Danza