Designing Bat Boy:The Musical

The following statements about the design of this production are from director Gordon Hensley's original concept:

Design ideas
The overarching design theme for the show might tap into the “inner beast” concept. Many characters are struggling with who they are inside versus outside. Embracing this mentality of ignoring reality, the show might like a tabloid: bubbly and light and then suddenly dark and serious, with deep textures—fluffy meets leather—light meets shadow. Elements are artificial and exaggerated—but played off as pure truth. The concept is to clash these two worlds together; to present the material, but not to make fun of it. This makes me think of The Wizard of Oz—the scene in which the witch appears in Munchkin Land. This is a collision of worlds and we believe it. Somehow the circumstances are completely ridiculous (munchkins, flying house, Glinda, etc.) but we believe. Camp takes complete conviction. We must all believe in the certainty and passion of this story.

Themes
Themes in this play include hidden pasts, the monster within, man versus beast, Dracula, Frankenstein, man versus nature, love, Jekyll and Hyde, finding your place in the world, tolerance, acceptance, religion/Christ, Rocky Horror, fear of the unknown/difference (race, religion, etc.), deception, abuse of power, and hillbillies.

Costume
The “principal” characters remain the same characters throughout the show. The ensemble members play many characters and have multiple quick changes. One scene suggests nudity. I have mixed feelings about nudity for this audience. One scene calls for the actors to be animals—I am not sold on this idea and would like to work around it. There’s blood—I would like to have “blood.”

Scenery
There are multiple locations in this script. Locales range from a church to the forest, a hospital room, and even a slaughter house. This can be as stylized or as realistic as desired. The extreme difference between the two worlds might be best portrayed visually. I would like to use the audience area in a couple of instances if possible. Most of the latter part of the production is in a wooded area.

Lighting
Lighting can be very helpful in determining the multiple locales in the production. Lighting effects can be as stylized or as realistic as desired. There are ample opportunities for texture and color play. I envision the ending of the play (done in flashback) as a video projection, or maybe a shadow play. I would like to use the audience area in a couple of instances if possible.

Props
There is a great opportunity for the props to visually enhance the campy concept of the production. The most challenging prop will likely be the cow’s head.

Sound
This show’s pulse is driven by live music. There could be pre-recorded sound effects, or they could be generated by the musicians. I would like to use the audience area in a couple of instances if possible.

Makeup
All of the actors portray “people.” The makeup for the show might reflect their “perfection.” I would prefer that Bat Boy look somewhat like the tabloid photo. The animal scene might call for some makeup application.

And what did the designers have to say about all of this...?
Well, I guess you'll have to see for yourself!