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October 29, 2009

“Bat Boy” lives at ULM’s Black Box Theatre, begins Nov. 11

The University of Louisiana at Monroe’s Black Box Theatre presents its fall musical “Bat Boy” at 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11. Nightly performances will continue Thursday through Sunday.

All performances are free for ULM students, staff, and faculty with identification; community tickets are $15, and may be reserved by calling the ULM box office at 318-342-1414.

The musical is compiled with many exceptional elements and will be the most intriguing theatrical production of the fall semester, according to Director Dr. Mark Clark.

"Bat Boy will truly be a new visual and aural experience in theatre," said Clark.

“Bat Boy” tells the tale of a half-boy, half-bat, who must contend with the local citizens of the sleepy town in West Virginia who decide to civilize him. The locals discover their simple heroic quest of transforming Bat Boy from a cave dweller, to a civilized citizen, is more challenging than originally planned.

Will Bat Boy ever be civilized? Will he ever be accepted? Audience members will enjoy watching the story unravel with all its twist and turns.

The musical contains surround-sound electrifying and eccentric music, extensive make-up, and an extraordinary stage arraignment, sure to make the performance come to life. Another noteworthy aspect of the musical is that at least six of the cast members are not dance, music, or theatre majors.

A prime example is of the lead role, James Willis, a mass communications major. Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Jeffrey Cass, performs as Bud, a stereotypical hillbilly character.

Stephen Richardson, a professional sound technician, and make-up artists Jerry Johnson and Sarah Johnson also bring the show to life. The Dance Repertory Ensemble is featured in the production. Deborah Chandler, head of Choral Ensembles at ULM, serves as conductor of the live choir for the play.

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