JACK JANOWICZ stars as “Bat Boy” on the Gem Theater stage in Garden Grove through Oct. 25.

By Thom deMartino
Orange County Tribune

Just in time for Halloween, from the lurid pages of the Weekly World News tabloid comes the unbelievable tale of one of their most popular and outrageous stories for your entertainment: behold — “Bat Boy”!

Garden Grove’s Gem Theater is presenting the cult-classic comedy by Laurence O’Keefe, Key the Farley and Brian Flemming. Directed by the Gem’s One More Productions company co-founder Damien Lorton, “Bat Boy” is the sensational (not-so-true) story of the legendary misshapen child discovered in the caverns of West Virginia.

The tale begins with the spelunking siblings Rick, Ron and Ruthie Taylor (Jacob Anthony Cain, Matthew Rangel and Madison Becker) exploring the caverns near their hometown of Hope Falls. Stumbling across this strange childlike creature who will soon be known as the “Bat Boy” (Jack Janowicz), the trio startle him, causing the feral child to attack.

With their sister wounded, the pair of brothers trap the beastly boy — and with the arrival of Sheriff Reynolds (Jon Michell), it’s decided to take the creature to the local veterinarian, Dr. Parker (Peter Crisafulli). And while the doctor’s daughter Shelley (Sasha Baker) is initially repulsed, and he himself wants to euthanize it, his wife Mrs. Parker (Adriana Sanchez) takes pity and shows kindness towards the wretched child.

Meanwhile, the townsfolk are in hysterics — something seems to be devastating the locals’ cattle, so obviously the strange “Bat Boy” found in a cave must be to blame, right?

What they don’t realize is that under the gentle tutelage of Mrs. Parker, the feral innocent is slowly becoming acclimated to the world, as even Shelley’s view of him is becoming more affectionate. Christened “Edgar”, the anomalous adolescent is even gradually beginning to speak, thanks to their efforts (the BBC audio tapes he’s listening to don’t hurt, either.)

But there’s a huge religious revival coming to town, headlined by the Rev. Billie Hightower (Trevin Stephenson): and with it being such a big social event, the townsfolk are loth to have the feared Bat Boy anywhere near it, and demand the doctor take the child away from the town to hide from the preacher.
But can’t they find it in their hearts to finally welcome this strange boy, who just desperately wants acceptance? Or will it only be the beginning of that bloody nightmare they all fear will come to pass?

“Bat Boy” is crazy, kooky fun. From the opening tune of “Hold Me, Bat Boy”, the audience knows this show is going to be something weird, something special.  The Gem’s “Black Box” shows, with their limited 3-week runs, showcase something different, often edgier than their mainstream musicals, and this is a delightfully over-the-top offering.

Jack Janowicz excels in his role as Edgar, the titular “Bat Boy”, with an amazing physicality to his work here. (The striking makeup work rendering him into a seemingly teenage nosferatu is remarkably convincing as well.)

With each growl, each twitch, each fleeting, delicate bird-like movement of the creature, he inhabits the role deeper still, not only as the wild boy but as the gentle spirit within him who only desires acknowledgment and kindness. It’s not only offbeat, but a strangely moving performance as well.

He always amazes not only in acting but in song: and numbers such as the duet “A Home For You” with Sanchez’s Mrs. Parker and “Show You A Thing Or Two” cement his place as one of the O.M.P.’s premiere vocalists.

Sanchez is herself always a treat to watch in her myriad Gem roles, and this is yet another great one for her repertoire. She has a wonderful, nurturing chemistry with Janowicz’s Edgar, and a fascinatingly complex one with Crisafulli’s increasingly menacing — even maniacal — Dr. Parker.

Ms. Baker’s work here is as stellar as her many previous Gem roles, energetic and immensely entertaining with how heavily she leans into the goofy campiness of the show. Her magnetic dynamic with Janowicz’s Edgar is certainly the driving engine of the latter half of the show.

Special mention goes to Jon Michell’s engaging and folksy Sheriff Reynolds, and Stephenson’s energetic, colorful and bombastic Rev. Hightower. The latter, as well as many of the other performers take on — and excel in — multiple roles throughout the production, which makes the frenetic quick changes between characters that much more fun. (Btw, don’t ask him about his weave.)

It’s like nothing you’ve seen before — something strange, madcap, and ultimately mesmerizing to behold. Perfect for the spooky holiday season, and as a Black Box show, it only runs until October 25 — so come one, come all, to witness the captivating, outrageous spectacle that is “Bat Boy”!

“Bat Boy”, Jack Janowicz, Sasha Baker and Adriana Sanchez star in this tabloid tale of the Weekly World News’ most popular story. Playing through October 25 at The Gem Theater, 12852 Main Street, Garden Grove, CA, 92840. Call 714-741-9550 x221 or email boxoffice@onemoreproductions.com for ticketing information. Some mature themes.