'Batboy: The Musical' brings campy fun to Texas State

By Alec Jennings
University News Service
October 28, 2009

Inspired by headlines in the Weekly World News, "Batboy: The Musical" was an off-Broadway success and is coming to the Main Stage of the Theatre Center at Texas State University-San Marcos Nov. 11-22.

Performances will be held 7:30 p.m. Nov. 11-14 and 18-21, noon Nov. 15 and 2 p.m. Nov. 22.

Described as a campy, modern musical comedy, the production tells the story of a half boy, half bat discovered in a cave and struggling to find a place in the world. The dark comedy also has its touching side as well, with an upbeat score featuring music from rock to rap and more.

"You laugh so hard you cry--and if we are doing our jobs well--you will be surprised to find yourself moved to tears by this wacky world too," said Kaitlin Hopkins, director of "Batboy" and head of musical theatre at Texas State. "The music is just a blast and the people of Hope Falls, West Virginia, are characters you want to spend two hours with. This show has heart, soul and a proudly deep, unique comedy style that ultimately blazed a trail for shows that followed."

Hopkins was a Drama Desk nominee for her role in the 2001 production in New York. She said her experience performing in it has given her a unique perspective as a teacher and director.

"It is very exciting for me to create the world of Hope Falls as I see it from a directorial perspective instead of just as an actor. But it is my experience as an actor that makes it so fulfilling to work with other actors as a director," Hopkins said. "I think because of the connection I have to it, it has actually helped me to be more open minded in ways to re-imagine and re-conceive it. I think you have to know something so well that you can let it go, in a way, and then see what comes back to you."

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for students with a valid Texas State ID. To purchase advanced tickets, contact the Texas State Box Office at (512) 245-2204.