A "Bat Boy" e-Interview

As we prepare for Bat Boy The Musical to take the stage this weekend in Huntington, let's hear from some of the members of the cast.

Stepping up to our imaginary e-interview microphone is Trish Sacconi, who plays both Mayor Maggic and Clem.

Q: For those who aren't familiar with "Bat Boy," give us the basic story behind it.

Trish: Bat Boy is the creation of a fictional Weekly World News story that ran back in 1992 about a half-boy, half-bat found living in a cave in Hope Falls, WV. When he is found by some local kids and turned over to the local sheriff, he is placed in the home of the local veterinarian whose wife reforms him into a loving and caring boy. The story is so much deeper than just the fiction and humor at the surface, but it is that of a soul who is truly seeking acceptance and love but is faced with racism, jealousy, revenge, rage, and hatred. When a “plague” is believed to be affecting the cattle within the town, Bat Boy is used as the scapegoat to explain the loss of revenue.

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Trish: I play two characters: Clem, a local guy who isn’t too bright and who is pretty much afraid of his own shadow; and Maggie, Hope Falls’ Mayor and head of Town Council. Maggie, along with the local ranchers, is worried about the large number of cattle that are mysteriously dying. When rumors circulate about the Bat Boy’s discovery, she is lead to believe (along with the entire town) that he is the one preying on the cattle.

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Trish: For me personally, it would be the fact that I am returning to the stage after a very long absence.

Q: Do you have a favorite song?

Trish: My favorite song would be "A Home for You." It displays a deep emotion describing what ‘family’ is all about and how important it is for everyone to recognize and feel the love and acceptance that is vital for survival. It reflects that “home” is a place where you are not judged and it doesn’t matter what you do. A family’s love will always prevail.

Q: Sounds like this would be a fun show to work on... is it?

Trish: Yes, it is! The variety of characters and the mixture of laughter and horror are like none other I have ever worked with. One thing that makes this musical stand above others is the fact that just about the time you believe you have it all figured out the story takes an interesting turn and you are left with your mouth hanging open.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Trish: I would recommend the show because there is a mixture of everything... humor, love, family, and a little horror along the way. We can all relate to issues that life throws in our path, and this show actually showcases most of those issues in a unique and fun sort of way. We have all been a victim of injustice/inequality, whether at school, work, or society in general, and this musical makes you step back and relate, even if in the most unusual way possible…through that of a humanoid.

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Trish: Bat Boy: The Musical is being presented by Curtains Up Players, Huntington's newest theatre company. The show opens this Friday, Oct. 28 at the Jeslyn Performing Arts Center (1030 4th Avenue, Huntington, WV 25701). Performances run Oct. 28 and 29 and November 3, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for Adults and $12 for Students and can be reserved online at www.curtainsupplayers.org. To receive a $2 discount, wear costumes Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28-29 to enter into our Costume Contest (prizes awarded). For the second weekend of performances (Nov. 3-6), patrons can receive a $2 discount by bringing 2 canned goods to be donated to the Huntington Area Food Bank. For other discounts and special offers, "Like" us on Facebook (Curtains Up Players) and follow us on Twitter (@CUPofTheatreWV).

Thanks, Trish! We'll have more e-interviews in the days ahead!