Bat Boy
Story and Book by Keythe Farley & Brian Flemming
Music & Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe
Directed by Scott Miller and Chris Moore
New Line Theatre
October 3, 2025
Brittany Kohl, Rafael DaCosta, Marlee Wenski
Photo by Chris Moore
New Line Theatre
It’s the time of year again, when many theatre companies turn toward weirder and/or spookier subject matter in the lead-up to Halloween. In that vein, New Line has chosen to revisit a show they’ve done before, the tabloid-inspired sci-fi/horror dark comedy Bat Boy, which provides a good opportunity for its cast and crew to ham up a storm while also conveying a warning message about jumping to judgment and blame of “outsiders” for the world’s problems. Under the direction of Scott Miller and Chris Moore, New Line has put a lot of energy into this production, which features striking production elements and a strong, enthusiastic cast of local performers.
I didn’t see the last New Line production of this show, but I’ve seen a production by another local company, so I was familiar with the plot and tone of the piece. The story, inspired by a fictional tabloid story featured in the infamous Weekly World News, focuses on a mysterious “Bat Boy” (Rafael DaCosta), who is encountered by three young siblings–Rick (Zachary Thompson), Ruthie (Chelsie Johnston), and Ron (Bee Mecey)– who are exploring a cave. When the Bat Boy bites Ruthie, the kids are frightened and call in the police, who seek to consult local veterinarian Dr. Thomas Parker (Ian McCreary) about what to do. The Bat Boy is then taken to Thomas’s house, where his wife Meredith (Brittany Kohl) and daughter Shelley (Marlee Wenski) meet the boy first, and while Shelley is creeped out at first, Meredith is more sympathetic, naming him “Edgar” and promising to take care of him and teach him manners. As the townspeople remain suspicious of Edgar, whom they regard as a “monster”, he soon reveals himself to be a quick learner and a sensitive soul under the tutelage of Shelley and Meredith It soon becomes clear, however that Thomas isn’t happy with the attentions Meredith is paying to the boy, and while Edgar seeks to win the town over with his personality, and he and Shelley grow ever closer, long-held secrets are about to be revealed, threatening the hopes, assumptions, and even the lives of the town, the family, and Edgar himself.
The whole tone is heightened and exaggerated, as is fitting for a story based on an over-the-top tabloid. It also calls to mind some of those old “B” grade sci-fi and horror films from the 50s and 60s, and the physical production at New Line helps that vibe along by means of Becca Rose Bessette’s well-crafted costumes, and the alternately humorous and haunting score ably played by a small but excellent band led by music director Jason Eschofen. There’s also a fairly minimalist but practical framework set by Rob Lippert that provides an ideal base for the action, aided by strong work from lighting designer Bradley Rohlf, and sound designer Ryan Day.Â
Casting is key in this show, with the role of Edgar the Bat Boy being especially demanding physically, emotionally, and vocally. DaCosta is excellent in the role, with energy and stage presence at the forefront, creating a character who is at once sympathetic and awkwardly charming. His scenes with Kohl’s also strong Meredith and Wenski’s plucky Shelley are especially compelling. There’s also a fine turn from McCreary as Thomas, and a strong ensemble who mostly play various characters–Stephen Thompson, Mecey, Zack Huels, Ronmal Mottley, Zachary Thompson, and Johnston, with Huels a particular standout vocally in the “Children, Children” number in the second act. The overall darkly comic energy is handled with entertaining enthusiasm.
This is a show that has a lot of laughs and a few cringey horror moments, but also a palpable message warning against the dangers of judging people based on appearance and preconceived notions. It’s alternately creepy, haunting, offbeat, and deliberately sensationalist, with some crass humor and suggestive themes. Bat Boy strikes just the right tone for this time of year, and it’s a good start to a new season for New Line.
Cast of Bat Boy
Photo by Chris Moore
New Line Theatre
New Line Theatre is presenting Bat Boy at the Marcelle Theatre until October 25, 2025keth