Spring Break
Drexel vision of 'Bat Boy' presents vibrant performance
Erika Hope Kennell
Issue date: 11/16/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
"It breaks the conventions of ordinary music theatre," director Bill Pollock said, resting his casted foot on the concrete theatre floor.
As Bat Boy began, the dynamic characters and creative plot shows viewers exactly why Pollock persisted through his injury several weeks before. Seemingly oblivious to the stress from juggling four-hour long practices, classes and homework, the actors exuded a ravenous energy as they worked the stage.
"Everyone has to climb," Pollock said.
And climb they do. Actors overrun the 20-foot vertical challenge with animal-like finesse reminiscent of Broadway's Cats. Designed by Pollock himself, the versatile set is scaffolding filled with nooks and crannies making use of all available stage space that creatively molds, enhancing each act.
Not only does the dynamic dance, choreographed by Miriam Giguere, and movement onstage promise to keep overtired parents awake, but the unique plot keeps ears on point. Bat Boy, played by Steve Pribis, is conceived through a lab mistake. His tormented parents, flooded by pain and embarrassment, try to hide their past and move on, abandoning their son to the wilderness in the process.
However Bat Boy, raised by his "real fathers," the bats, survives only to be discovered later on. Found by the charmingly mischievous Taylor children, Ruthie, played by Emily Kleimo, Rick, played by Jonah Delso, and Ron, played by Jules Victor, Bat Boy bites Ruthie and promptly is bagged and taken into town. The townspeople deliver Bat Boy to their vet Thomas Parker, played by Dave Roy, whose family falls in love with the uncivilized creature.
Heralding him Edgar, Mrs. Parker, played by Melinda Glass, does her best to teach Bat Boy proper etiquette and he excels to the level of a genius. Rupert, engaging in a dynamic and powerful conflict between carnal instinct and civilized self, tries to move beyond his past, even falling in love in the process. However, he is still shunned by the townspeople. As Rupert tries to redeem himself, the plot swells around gore, beauty, love, hate, dance, song and seduction.
Danielle Kindt, stage manager and president of the Drexel Players, said, "It's about accepting people, you know?"
The plot enhances the unique musical numbers, which incorporate a twist of favorite genres and diverse melodies. The performers' strong voices and beautiful harmony, combined with dynamic dance and dramatic lighting, create pieces of heart-swelling enjoyment.
With such vibrant acting, an enchanting plot, and morally enforcing message, one would be less than unintelligent not to buy tickets. Show times are Nov. 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in Mandell Theatre. Students can buy tickets beforehand by calling 215-895-ARTS, or at the door. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for all others.
This performance is one of passion and edgy entertainment, which promises to entrance and captivate.
As Bat Boy began, the dynamic characters and creative plot shows viewers exactly why Pollock persisted through his injury several weeks before. Seemingly oblivious to the stress from juggling four-hour long practices, classes and homework, the actors exuded a ravenous energy as they worked the stage.
"Everyone has to climb," Pollock said.
And climb they do. Actors overrun the 20-foot vertical challenge with animal-like finesse reminiscent of Broadway's Cats. Designed by Pollock himself, the versatile set is scaffolding filled with nooks and crannies making use of all available stage space that creatively molds, enhancing each act.
Not only does the dynamic dance, choreographed by Miriam Giguere, and movement onstage promise to keep overtired parents awake, but the unique plot keeps ears on point. Bat Boy, played by Steve Pribis, is conceived through a lab mistake. His tormented parents, flooded by pain and embarrassment, try to hide their past and move on, abandoning their son to the wilderness in the process.
However Bat Boy, raised by his "real fathers," the bats, survives only to be discovered later on. Found by the charmingly mischievous Taylor children, Ruthie, played by Emily Kleimo, Rick, played by Jonah Delso, and Ron, played by Jules Victor, Bat Boy bites Ruthie and promptly is bagged and taken into town. The townspeople deliver Bat Boy to their vet Thomas Parker, played by Dave Roy, whose family falls in love with the uncivilized creature.
Heralding him Edgar, Mrs. Parker, played by Melinda Glass, does her best to teach Bat Boy proper etiquette and he excels to the level of a genius. Rupert, engaging in a dynamic and powerful conflict between carnal instinct and civilized self, tries to move beyond his past, even falling in love in the process. However, he is still shunned by the townspeople. As Rupert tries to redeem himself, the plot swells around gore, beauty, love, hate, dance, song and seduction.
Danielle Kindt, stage manager and president of the Drexel Players, said, "It's about accepting people, you know?"
The plot enhances the unique musical numbers, which incorporate a twist of favorite genres and diverse melodies. The performers' strong voices and beautiful harmony, combined with dynamic dance and dramatic lighting, create pieces of heart-swelling enjoyment.
With such vibrant acting, an enchanting plot, and morally enforcing message, one would be less than unintelligent not to buy tickets. Show times are Nov. 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m. in Mandell Theatre. Students can buy tickets beforehand by calling 215-895-ARTS, or at the door. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for all others.
This performance is one of passion and edgy entertainment, which promises to entrance and captivate.
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alexhaffey
MLA Style Dissertation
posted 7/29/09 @ 7:32 AM EST
That's nice post, thanks for the writing!
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