When I first heard about Bat Boy: The Musical at Salt Lake Acting Company I initially dismissed it. SLAC does a lot of broad comedy parody which is just not my thing but then I heard some positive reactions from people so I decided to give it a shot, and I’m so glad I did. Going in knowing absolutely nothing about this musical I walked away blown away by everything I saw and experienced.

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I think the easiest comparison to Bat Boy is another off broadway legendary show Little Shop of Horrors. They both have campy horror themed vibes and speak to similar themes of humanity and love. The show starts off in a cave beautifully created by set designer Jesse Portillo. It almost felt like I was entering a dark ride at Disneyland and about to enter the world of the cave. The sound design by Joe Killian also gives that immersive vibes for the cave and even the microphoning of the actors in the cave scene felt different with more of an echo than the rest of the night’s vocals.

This production at SLAC is directed by Eric Sciotto and he has managed to get the best from his cast with a very strong ensemble often taking on multiple roles in the same scene (even switching off genders within a scene.) All the leads are professional quality one expects from SLAC with Julian R Decker putting in a masterful performance in the title role as Bat Boy. Adrien Swenson is also perfect as the seemingly traditional mother Meredith who has an unexpected bond with Bat Boy. I also loved the whole revival sequence with “A Joyful Noise” sung by Reverend Hightower played by Chris Curlett (so much is happening in that sequence plus it’s a terrific song!)

I was definitely caught off guard with how much I enjoyed the songs but I really shouldn’t have been given it has music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe who also penned Legally Blonde and Heathers: the Musical– both musicals I love. He knows how to craft heartfelt, funny musicals that are just plain entertaining. I will never doubt him again! The book is by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming.

I honestly have very few notes for Bat Boy at SLAC. It was fantastic, and I can’t recommend it more highly. It is playing through May 4th and tickets can be purchased here.

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