October 25 & 26 2024
Community Theatre at the
BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL
Story
and Book by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming
Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe
Licensed Under Agreement with Weekly World News
Original New York production produced by Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Riot Entertainment, Robyn Goodman, Michael Alden, Jean Doumanian and The Producing Office.
Original cast recording available on RCA/Victor.
Bat Boy: The Musical was developed in New York City at The Directors Company, Michael Parva, Artistic/Producing Director.
Bat Boy: The Musical had its initial production at The Actors’ Gang in Los Angeles, CA.
The authors wish to acknowledge the generous support provided through the Richard Rodgers Development Award and the Richard Rodgers Production Award. The Richard Rodgers Awards are administered by the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Scenic Designer
ASHLEY CUSACK
Technical Director KYLE SANTOPADRE
Music Director
MICHAEL GILCH
Lighting Designer EMILY LOVELL
Production Stage Manager RYAN ALGER
Production Manager TOM HESSMAN
Director
JAMES GRAUSAM
Bat Boy: The Musical is presented through special arrangement with DRAMATISTS PLAY SERVICE, INC. 440 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016.
Season Sponsors:
The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates; World Subaru
Bat Boy ......................................................................................................................MATT DeMARCO
Meredith Parker .......................................................................................................... TANYA WILLS
Dr. Thomas Parker ................................................................................................... JOHN C. SHORT
Shelley Parker CHRISTINA FREEMAN
Sheriff Reynolds LEX FRIEDMAN
Rick Taylor, Lorraine, Mr. Dillon ZACK BLISS
Ron Taylor, Maggie, Clem
CARMEN MATARAZZO
Ruthie Taylor, Ned JAIME SEVERUZE
Mrs. Taylor, Roy, Rev. Billy Hightower, Institute Man RICH ARMSTEAD
Pan, Bud, Doctor ..........................................................................................................
ALEC KELSEY
Daisy, Ensemble .................................................................................................... RACHEL SIEVERS
SETTING
Hope Falls, West Virginia. Population 500.
THE CAST THE BAND
Conductor / Keyboard 1 ........................................................................................
Keyboard 2 ..........................................................................................................
Drums ....................................................................................................................
GILCH
ROSCISZEWSKI
LOPEZ
THE PRODUCTION TEAM
Director................................................................................................................... JAMES GRAUSAM
Music Director ........................................................................................................ MICHAEL GILCH
Production Manager TOM HESSMAN
Technical Director, Lead Carpenter ............................................................. KYLE SANTOPADRE
Scenic Designer, Scenic Charge.......................................................................... ASHLEY CUSACK
Lighting Designer EMILY LOVELL
Makeup Artist .............................................................................................................. NIKKI KETCH
Sound Engineer ............................................................................................................ ALEX WIDOM
Production Stage Manager RYAN ALGER
Assistant Stage Manager .....................................................................................GILLIAN RISPOLI
Assistant Director .................................................................................................. KEVIN T. McGEE
Sound Effects Designer / Operator....................................................................... TOM HESSMAN
Run Crew ............................................................................ OLIVIA GRAUSAM, GILLIAN RISPOLI
Managing Artistic Director ................................................................................ JAMES GRAUSAM
Special Thanks .................................... COUNT BASIE CENTER MARKETING DEPARTMENT, DIANE DiYANNI, FRAN CENTOFANTE KATZ, MAURER PRODUCTIONS
PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS OPERATIONS COMMITTEE
SoVonna Day-Goins (Co-Chair)
Sarah Bradley
Jerry Conaty
Natalie Hayes-Scott
Tom Hessman
Nancy Karpf
Joe Wajda (Co-Chair)
Fran Centofante Katz
Maria Maher
Jim Marhold
Justin Christopher Odon
Adam Philipson
Izzy Sackowitz
Jarrod Scott
Dennis Tolentino
Fran Turner
Jon Vena
Darrell L. Willis
Count Basie Center for the Arts, a not for profit organization
Count Basie Center Executive Committee of the Board
Jeremy Grunin Chairperson
Stephen Cutler Treasurer
Robin Klein Governance Officer
Stuart Alderoty
Mitch Ansell
Alison Banks-Moore
Tom Bernard
Sarah Bradley
Michael Bruno
Heather Burke
James M. Cadet
Puja Choudhry
Jerry Conaty
Michael Parent Co-Vice Chairperson
SoVonna Day-Goins Co-Secretary
Claudia Dulac Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer
Maggie Riker Co-Vice Chairperson
Maria Maher Co-Secretary
Adam Philipson President & Chief Executive Officer, Ex Officio
Count Basie Center Board of Trustees
Craig Cummings
Mollie Giamanco
Lauren Goldfarb
Delisha Grant
Yvonne Grayson
Jason Jurgens
Steve Kaiman
Nancy Karpf
Marshall Knopf
Mario Monello
Mark Rohl
Peter T. Roselle
Matthew J. Saker
Dr. Perry Scaranni
Carol Stillwell
Fran Turner
Joe Wajda
Tom Widener
Darrell Lawrence Willis
Kaye Wise
Edward J. Zipprich
MUSICAL NUMBERS
ACT 1
“Hold Me, Bat Boy” ........................................................................................................... Ensemble
“Christian Charity”.............................................................................. Sheriff, Shelley, Meredith
“Ugly Boy”............................................................................................................................... Shelley
“Whatcha Wanna Do?” Rick, Shelley
“A Home For You” .............................................................................................. Meredith, Bat Boy
“Another Dead Cow”............................................. Bud, Roy, Ned, Maggie, Lorraine, Ensemble
“Dance With Me, Darling” ..........................................................................Dr. Parker, Ensemble
“Mrs. Taylor’s Lullaby” ..............................................................................Mrs. Taylor, Rick, Ron
“Show You A Thing Or Two” Meredith, Bat Boy, Shelley, Dr. Parker, Ensemble
“Christian Charity (Reprise)” ...................... Sheriff, Lorraine, Maggie, Roy, Ned, Townsfolk
“A Home For You (Reprise)” Bat Boy
“Parker’s Epiphany” ........................................................................................................ Dr. Parker
“Comfort And Joy” ....................................... Dr. Parker, Meredith, Shelley, Sheriff, Ensemble
“Comfort And Joy (Part 2)” ......................................... Bat Boy, Ensemble, Townsfolk, Sheriff, Dr. Parker, Meredith, Shelley
Bat Boy: The Musical will be performed with one 15-minute intermission.
ACT 2
“A Joyful Noise” .........................................................................Reverend Hightower, Townsfolk
“Let Me Walk Among You” Bat Boy
“A Joyful Noise (Reprise)” ................................................ Bat Boy, Townsfolk, Rev. Hightower
“All Hell Breaks Loose” .............................................................................................. Rick, Shelley
“Stop The Bat Boy!” .................................................................................... Dr. Parker, Townsfolk
“Three-Bedroom House” ................................................................................... Meredith, Shelley
“Children, Children” Pan, Ensemble
“More Blood / Kill The Bat Boy!”............................................................. Dr. Parker, Townsfolk
“Inside Your Heart” Shelley, Bat Boy
“Apology To A Cow” .......................................................................................... Bat Boy, Ensemble
“Revelations” ............................................... Meredith, Dr. Parker, Young Meredith, Ensemble
“Finale: I Imagine You’re Upset” ................................. Bat Boy, Sheriff, Ensemble, Meredith, S helley, Dr. Parker
“Finale: Hold Me, Bat Boy (Reprise)” ........ Shelley, Maggie, Rick, Bud, Ned, Institute Man, Sheriff, Ron, Ruthie, Meredith, Parker, Townsfolk
PLEASE BE ADVISED: THIS PERFORMANCE UTILIZES STROBE EFFECTS, SIMULATED WEAPONS, AND CONTAINS STRONG ADULT CONTENT.
The use of any recording device, either audio or video, and the taking of photographs, either with or without flash, is strictly prohibited. Please turn off all electronic devices such as cellular phones, tablets, beepers, and watches. The use of cell phones in the theater is prohibited.
2024/2025 SEASON SPONSORS
The Law Firm of Jonathan D’Agostino & Associates - Jon & Jade D’Agostino World Subaru - Joe & Nicole Wajda
PHOENIX PRODUCTIONS 2024/2025 SEASON DONORS
RISING STAR LEVEL: $500-$999
Professor Chris Adamo, Joseph Ercolino, Maryann Larkin, The Thorner Family, Diane Tresente
FAN LEVEL: Up to $249
Dianne Asay, In memory of Al Bevacqua, The Boyko Family, Jane Cybulski, William & Ann Emery, Judith & William Fraser, Gloria Friedman, Kenneth Groeschel, Rita LaBrecque, Leanne Lasko, Bridgette Markuson, Carolyn McCarthy, The Mele/Declarations Family, Nancy Merkel - In memory of Marie Elizabeth Corke, Donna Pinamonti, The Press Family, The Rainone Family, Barbara Saake, Richard Scott
STARS ON PHOENIX’S “WALK OF DREAMS”
Todd Aikens, Andrea Andrews Zawadzky, Matthew Blankley, Grace Brancato, Brothers Commercial Brokerage, The Brown Family, Chloe Carone, Erin O’Malley Chiaravalloti, Sarah Coleman, Liz & Randy Cooper, Sophie Creed The Cullen Family, The D’Agostino Family, Mike & Betty Ann Dalberg, Bobby Davis, Lily DelPresto, In Memory of Mildred & Patrick DeLuca, Tina & Mike DeVito, Denise DiBona DDS, The Dobbs Family, Hudson Eder & Jo Wymer Music Studios, Joe Ercolino & Melvin Polisher, FILCO Red Bank, Immediate Care Medical Walk-In & CEO Sal Cannizzaro, In Memory of Jakob Franke, Bob Fuller, Carmen Gemellaro, Kayla Goins, Jennifer Grasso, James Grausam, Anthony Greco, Keegan Robert Haack, Holly Hankins & Family, Don & Lois Heirman, Thomas K. Hessman, Taylor Nicole Kaplan, Nancy Karpf, Fran Centofante Katz, Sydney & Jason Katz, Zoe & Molly Kenney, George & Kelly Kerrick, The Kinneman Family, The LaRue Family, James, Kathleen & Patrick Marhold, The Martini Family, In Loving Memory of Pat Mercandetti, The Monteleone Family, Jillian Mueller, Scott Naef, The Nodes Family, Don Olah Hair/Wigs, Alexa Origlio, Christine Paccillo, Wayne, Daniel & Marisa Peck, The Pennington Family, Joanne Penrose, Red Oak Mortgage, The Regan Family, Remember Jones, Lily Grace Riddle, Kara Robertelli, Harper Robinson, The Robinson Family, The Scherzo Family, Haley & Chris Schmalbach, Thomas Scove, The Sheftel Family, Carl Sterling Smith, Jack & Joyce Sica, The Stefanelli Family, The Thorner Family, Mary Jo Tort-Bergeron, Carol Wade, The Wagar Family, Ellen & Michael Walsh, Amanda Winter, Lindsay Wood, Chip & Ilda Wood, World Subaru
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
RICH ARMSTEAD
(Mrs. Taylor, Roy, Rev. Billy Hightower, Institute Man) celebrates his 20 year anniversary in the NJ Community Theatre family since his inaugural portrayal of Tonton Julian in Once on This Island with Villagers Theatre in 2004. Rich spent several years involved with Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York, especially concentrating on cultivating inclusivity within the community. He once got to do the cold open for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Rich would like to thank God, his family, and friends for their continued support. May We All Be Blessed to Grow.
ZACK BLISS
(Rick Taylor, Lorraine, Mr. Dillon) is having a great time in West Virginia with this amazing cast and crew! When he’s not performing on stage, Zack is a freelance lighting designer and technical director. Previous Phoenix credits: The Addams Family (Lucas Beineke). Other favorites: Be More Chill (Jeremy Heere; Exit 82 Theatre Company), Spring Awakening (Ensemble / Ernst; Algonquin Arts Theatre), and The Rocky Horror Show (Rocky Horror; Exit 82 Theatre Company). As always, Zack would like to thank his family and friends for their constant support.
MATT DeMARCO
(Bat Boy) is thrilled to be back on stage with Phoenix Productions after recently taking part in their production of West Side Story (Tony). Past credits include: The Prom (Trent Oliver; Phoenix Productions), Jesus Christ Superstar (Annas; Phoenix Productions), Viking Cruises (Principal Vocalist), Passion of Verismo (Opera at Florham Park), and many more. He runs Jersey Shore Vocals and teaches at Montclair Music. He also manages a moving company, Certified Relocation Solutions, with his cousin. This marks Matt’s 20th year performing with Phoenix, so a huge thanks to all those involved in that time for the instruction, opportunity, and community you’ve provided.
CHRISTINA FREEMAN
(Shelley Parker) is in a SHELL-ebratory mood making her Phoenix Productions debut! Her past regional credits include: The Fantasticks (Luisa; Kelsey Theatre - 2023 BroadwayWorld NJ “Best Actress in a Musical”), The Drowsy Chaperone (Janet Van De Graaf; Roxbury Arts Alliance), and Ella Enchanted (Olive; The Growing Stage). OffBroadway credits include: 54 Sings Big Fish and 54 Sings Holiday Inn. Christina holds two BA’s in Theatre and Psychology, and two minors in Music and Philosophy, from Muhlenberg College. Fun fact: she eats bacon every single day (she had some before today’s show)! Huge FANGS to God, her family, cast, and crew! christinaleefreeman.com @christina.lee.freeman
LEX FRIEDMAN
(Sheriff Reynolds) performs improv with ComedySportz Jersey Shore multiple Saturdays each month. He also publishes nine word games each day at Lex.Games, and he hosts a daily podcast called Your Daily Lex. Recent credits include: Misery (Paul; Algonquin Arts Theatre), Elf (Walter; Algonquin Arts Theatre), Avenue Q (Brian; Algonquin Arts Theatre), and a variety of weirdos in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change (Asbury Park Theater Company). Lex’s last Phoenix appearance was as Theo in School of Rock. Lex and his now 13-year-old son Liam have released three albums, available everywhere, as Liam & Lex. Much love to Lauren, Ani, Sierra, Liam, and various disinterested pets.
WHO’S WHO IN THE CAST
ALEC KELSEY
(Pan, Bud, Doctor) is thrilled to be performing with Phoenix Productions. Past credits: Next to Normal (Gabe), She Loves Me (Stephen Kodaly), and Spring Awakening (Hanschen). Alec is excited to tell this story alongside this amazingly talented cast. He thanks his partner George Platis for his continuous love and support.
CARMEN MATARAZZO
(Ron Taylor, Maggie, Clem) is returning for his second show with Phoenix Productions! Past theatre credits include: Sweeney Todd (Tobias Ragg), Almost, Maine (Male Actor), Clue: On Stage (Professor Plum), and Spring Awakening (Moritz). He loves his cats, and would like to thank everyone involved for sharing this experience, along with his family and friends who never fail to support him.
JAIME SEVERUZE
(Ruthie Taylor, Ned) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut! She’s done over 40 community theatre shows all over NJ. Top 2 faves are her dream role of Maureen in RENT (BACC) and Avenue Q (Villagers Theatre). She’s also done several indie films and makes TikTok videos (@comedy_tragedy). Jaime loves waterfalls and going to conventions (especially 90s Con & Fan Expo), and her trademark is doing prom poses with celebs (top 3 being Sasha Mitchell, Garrett Hedlund, and Patrick Flueger). She dedicates her performance in loving memory to her stepfather. Enjoy the show! Love to fam, friends, coworkers, and this awesome cast & crew! End scene.
JOHN C. SHORT
(Dr. Thomas Parker) is thrilled to be back with Phoenix Productions. Favorite previous credits: Ragtime (Tateh; Phoenix Productions), Avenue Q (Trekkie Monster; Algonquin Arts Theatre), and Pippin (Pippin; Park Players Productions). Thanks to Mom and Dad and my siblings for your support, and Elisabeth for everything.
RACHEL SIEVERS
(Daisy, Ensemble) is thrilled to be making her Phoenix debut! Favorite past shows include: Blood Brothers (Mrs. Lyons; Ghostlight Productions), Shrek the Musical (Fiona; MAC Players), and All Shook Up (Miss Sandra, Brookdale PAC). She most recently appeared in Fiddler on the Roof at Algonquin Arts Theatre alongside her nine-year-old daughter, who shined as Bielke, and who constantly reminded Rachel that she had a bigger part. Thank you to James, Michael, and the whole team for this joyous opportunity. Love to Mira and Jeff, always.
TANYA WILLS
(Meredith Parker) recently returned to performing after a 12 year absence. Favorite roles include: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Rona; Theatreworks), Next to Normal (Diana; Cultural Arts Playhouse, NY), and Into the Woods (Baker’s Wife; College of New Rochelle, NY). A NJ native, Tanya celebrates one of the best things ever to come out of her theatre world: 25 years of dear friendship with the one and only James Grausam. For Charlie and Milo: Don’t deny your beast inside.
WHO’S WHO ON THE PRODUCTION TEAM
JAMES GRAUSAM
(Director, Managing Artistic Director) has directed several productions for Phoenix at the Count Basie Center for the Arts, including: Fiddler on the Roof, The Full Monty, Miss Saigon, Jesus Christ Superstar, Tommy, The 30th Anniversary Gala Concert, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Songs for a New World, Smokey Joe’s Café, Spring Awakening, Elf, Putting It Together, Evil Dead The Musical, American Idiot, and The Music Man. He continues to direct and perform other places as time allows. As always, for Olivia.
MICHAEL GILCH
(Music Director, Conductor)
is a versatile Asbury Park-based musician, composer, and arranger. He has played in Broadway pits, Village jazz clubs, and conducted pit orchestras in many NYC/NJ regional theaters and universities. He is delighted to MD and conduct his second show with Phoenix Productions. Thanks to James for the opportunity and the creativity.
TOM HESSMAN
(Production Manager, Sound Effects Designer / Operator) is a lifelong theatergoer, and spent 15 years on the media crew for Staples Players (Westport, CT) before fully transitioning to the New Jersey community theatre scene. In addition to seeing shows all around NJ, Tom loves volunteering in various capacities. Tom had a brief walk-on role in Phoenix’s 2019 production of Young Frankenstein as one of the hangmen, and Phoenix hasn’t been able to get rid of him since! Favorite credits include: The Prom, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Doll’s House, American Idiot, Evil Dead The Musical, Carrie The Musical, and Spring Awakening. Tom also serves on the Phoenix Operations Committee, and as a board member at Exit 82 Theatre (Toms River, NJ). Tom would like to thank James, this amazing production team, his incredible friends, and his wonderful sister Kat. TomHessman.com
RYAN ALGER
(Production Stage Manager) is thrilled to be making her PSM debut! This past year she has been working closely with the company as the ASM for Evil Dead The Musical, Ragtime, and The Prom; designed props for West Side Story; and hair and makeup for RENT. Ryan has a BA in Theatre, with a concentration in Technical Theatre and a minor in Dance from Rider University. Thank you Gill, Mike, Kevin, and Tom for their hard work and support. Special thanks to James for trusting Ryan with this opportunity and for creating an environment where she feels so comfortable to learn and grow. Ryan hopes you enjoy the show as much as she enjoyed spending rehearsals with this wonderful cast and production team. This performance is dedicated to RARA. (hi m&d!)
ASHLEY CUSACK
(Scenic Designer, Scenic Charge) is a freelance designer and artist throughout the tri-state area. She holds her MFA in Set Design from Rutgers’ Mason Gross School of the Arts. Since 2007, Ashley has worked in the Phoenix shop mixing paint, building and dreaming up set pieces to fill the Basie stage. Favorite past Phoenix designs include: Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Once on This Island, Elf, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. When not designing for the stage, she is busy starting new home projects and keeping up with her seven year old daughter’s imagination.
NIKKI KETCH
(Makeup Artist)
is a makeup artist who loves making monsters. This is her first production working for Phoenix and she is thrilled for the opportunity to bring one of her favorite characters to life.
EMILY LOVELL
(Lighting Designer) is excited to be lighting designer for her third Phoenix production. She has been a lighting designer professionally for ten years, starting at The Strand Theater in Lakewood. She has gone from theatre to concerts (Asbury Lanes), to corporate events (Bentley Meeker), and finally back here at The Vogel where she is currently Lighting Director and Assistant Production Manager. She is so thrilled to be designing her first musical here in The Vogel. Enjoy the show!
KEVIN T. McGEE
(Assistant Director)
is pleased as punch to be assistant directing this tremendous show! Previous directing credits include: It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, Camelot, and Peter and the Starcatcher. Kevin enjoys unicorns, novels, and chocolates. Many thanks to James, Gilchy, Ryan, Tom, and the delightfully batty members of the cast! Kevin sends all the love to his family! Kevin’s next project will be helming A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play at the Basie Center Cinemas!
GILLIAN RISPOLI
(Assistant Stage Manager) is so excited to be back at Phoenix Productions! She is a recent graduate from Coastal Carolina University, earning her BFA in Theatre Arts: Design and Production, and is now working towards her MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Idaho! Some of her recent credits include: Cabaret (Stage Manager; CCU); Cinderella (Stage Manager; CCU); The Green Bird (Stage Manager, CCU), and more! She would like to thank everyone at Phoenix for giving her the opportunity to share her art with everyone! She would especially like to thank Ryan, James, Kevin, Tom, Michael, Fran, her cast/crew, family, and friends for all their support!
KYLE SANTOPADRE
(Technical Director, Lead Carpenter) has a BA in Theatre with a Design concentration from Rowan University. He is the Assistant Technical Director and Lighting Designer for The Count Basie Center for the Arts. Past scenic designs include: In the Heights (Phoenix Productions), Guys & Dolls (Phoenix Productions), Noises Off (Raritan HS) and Hello Dolly! (Capital Productions). Many thanks to a wonderful production team!
jpascua@kpedgestone.com
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