BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL
WHEN: November 8, 9, 14, 15, 16 at 8:00 PM; November 17 at 6 PM
WHERE: Ducret Center of Art, 1030 Central Ave., Plainfield, NJ 07060
Ticket info: CTCProductions.org
Bat Boy is brought to the home of Dr. Parker, the town veterinarian, where he is eventually accepted as a member of the family and taught to act like a “normal” boy by Parker’s wife and daughter. At its heart, Bat Boy explores themes of duality— between human and beast, civilized and feral, love and hatred. The character’s struggle to fit into a society that demands conformity parallels real-world conversations about identity and acceptance. Dr. Parker symbolizes the destructive impact of toxic masculinity and unchecked authority. His manipulation of Bat Boy and the town reflects the consequences of societal pressure to suppress one’s authentic self.
Despite its humorous and playful approach, the story ends on a somber note, driving home the themes of intolerance and the destructive nature of secrecy. The final twist brings a poignant sense of inevitability. Bat Boy: The Musical has become a cult favorite over the years because of its quirky mix of humor and pathos, offering audiences a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. It is a heart-wrenching drama laced together with a wildly entertaining, B-movie quality. It is a hauntingly hysterical story—not to be missed!
Meet the Team
Director/Producer/Set Design: David Boyd
David Boyd has been working in production since a very early age. He is a Charge Scenic Artist throughout the New York City Entertainment Industry, having worked on a large variety of major motion pictures, theater and episodic television productions. Some of his favorite credits include Sex and the City, Rabbit Hole, Urinetown, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Across the Universe, Follies, with most recently Wu-Tang and a major motion picture Mr. Harrigan’s Phone on Netflix. David’s directing career began post graduate from North Dakota State University where he studied as a director/actor/designer. He has directed and produced several theatre productions including Pippin, Nunsense, Steel Magnolias, The Lion in Winter and Little Shop of Horrors.
Musical Director: Michael Nuzzo
Michael is a Music Educator, Musical Director, Composer and Performer. He earned his B.A. Degree from Kean University, and an Ed. M. Degree in Music Education and an M.A. Degree in Music Composition from Columbia University. He owns and operates a professional recording studio in Westfield, New Jersey, and continues to perform and musically direct both community theatre and high schools productions throughout New Jersey. He recently retired as Vocal Director and Teacher of Music at Morristown High School, where he was recognized, by the Paper Mill Playhouse, as outstanding Vocal and Pit Band Director on several occasions. As composer, he created original music for New Jersey Network (NJN), PBS television, International Paper Company, and Johnson & Johnson, as well as for several independent film scores and documentaries where he received regional and national recognition. He also taught Piano at Raritan Valley Community College and Brookdale Community College as an Adjunct Instructor of Music and presented clinics on music technology for teachers and students in both New York and New Jersey.
Choreographer: Sheila Barker
Sheila Barker is an educator, choreographer, master teacher and a distinctive force of energy in the dance industry. Throughout her career, Sheila’s work as a teacher, choreographer and performer has brought her to many places around the world and across the globe. She has been performed on Broadway, Off Broadway and Television. Her dancing and choreographing includes soap opera, industrials, music videos and recording artists. Sheila is on faculty at Broadway Dance Center and Marymount Manhattan College. She holds a BFA in dance and has extensive training in jazz, ballet, modern, tap, african/dunham and musical theater.
Meet the Cast
Nick Rubano (Bat Boy/Edgar): Nick is making his Catalyst Theatre Company debut as Bat Boy. A recent graduate of Sacred Heart University’s B.A. Theatre Arts (Musical Theatre) program, Nick recently performed overseas in Reject Me, Already (Rotating Cast/All Roles), and Your Children Will Follow (Milo) at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
Scott McGowan (Dr. Thomas Parker): Scott McGowan returns for a second go-around with Catalyst after starring in Elling last year. Originally from Pennsylvania, and getting a Theatre degree at NYU, he has lived in New Jersey for over 15 years. While raising a family, he has worked steadily, garnering two NJ Tony Awards for Best Actor in a Musical awarded by the Newark Star Ledger for Mack & Mabel and I Do!, I Do!. Scott is a member of Vivid Stage in Summit and has appeared at the Bickford, Centenary and Luna, all in NJ.
Jimmy Jesberger ( Rick Taylor): James Joseph Edward Jesberger Jr is excited to make his debut in a CTC production. Jimmy is a performance artist, on and off stage, born and raised in Philly. He graduated from Arcadia University with a BFA in Acting. Recently Jimmy performed in The Toxic Avenger Musical where he played 15 roles as “Dude 2.”
Patrick Comey (Reverend Billy Hightower): Patrick Comey is happy to join Catalyst Theater Company for this incredible production of Bat Boy! Favorite theater credits include: Rent (Collins), Into the Woods (Baker), Shrek (Shrek), Rock of Ages (Dennis), Beauty and the Beast (Beast), The Addams Family (Fester), among others.
Rach Phelan (Maggie): Rach Phelan is performing in her first show with Catalyst Theatre Company! Previous Credits: Sister Mary Amnesia-Nunsense (Centenary Stage Company), Ensemble-Starborn: A Disco Odyssey (Surflight), Meg-Little Women (Holmdel Theatre Company), Pontius Pilate-JCS (MAC Players). She’s an AMDA grad, a cast member of Let’s Broadway NYC, and has performed at cabaret venues in the city (Green Room 42, Broadway Comedy Club, Sid Gold’s Request Room).
Beth Siegling (Shelley Parker): Beth Siegling is joyful as she joins CTC during spooky season for Bat Boy! Beth holds a BA in Theatre Arts and Gender Studies from Mount Holyoke College. Previous credits include: Rona Lisa Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (The Grange Theatre), Percy Talbott in The Spitfire Grill, Andrew Hall in Men On Boats, #11 in The Wolves (St.Croix Festival Theatre), Woman 2 in Songs for a New World (Northern Lakes Arts Association), Sally Bowles in Cabaret, and three regional productions of Godspell (Bless the Lord, Learn Your Lessons Well).
Tracey Lynne Haskell (Meredith Parker): Tracey is thrilled to reprise one of her all-time favorite roles after 20 years! Previous regional experience includes In The Heights (Daniela), Ragtime (Sarah’s Friend), Starmites (Diva/Mother). Other NJ appearances: Seussical (Mayzie), Fat Pig (Helen), Falsettos (Dr. Charlotte), Nine (Luisa), Once on This Island (Euralie), Into the Woods (Witch), The Life (Sonya), Ain’t Misbehavin' (Armelia), Fiddler (Fruma Sarah), and many more.
Michael Buck (Ron Taylor):Michael is a New Jersey-based performer making his CTC debut! Previous credits include I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Asbury Park Theater Company); Breath: A Beckett Festival (EgoPo Classic Theater).
Aliza Liranzo (Sheriff Reynolds): Aliza is originally from Jersey City and resides in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey. She is excited to debut at CTC. Communal credits: In The Heights (Abuela Claudia) ;Addams Family (Morticia US/Ensemble); All Shook Up (Sylvia); An Enemy Of The People (Katherine); Twelfth Night (Maria;, and Rock Of Ages (Justice).
Rachel Saint Francis (Ruthie Taylor): Theatre: Bunny (Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens), Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors), Cinderella (Into the Woods), Lucy (Avenue Q), Marta (Company), Alice (Closer), Susan (Lovers and Other Strangers), Killarney/Pricilla/Allegra u/s (Key Largo), & others.
