Bat Boy Musical Revives Broadway with Gory, Comedic Twist

In October 2025, the cult classic musical "Bat Boy" has been revived at New York City Center for a 2-week gala. The show, which premiered Off-Broadway in the late 1990s, blends classic musical tropes like small-town small-mindedness and star-crossed lovers with messy, gory contradictions that defy the genre's typical pat hopefulness.

The new production, directed by Alex Timbers, aims to give the musical a more earnest treatment, with a sizeable name-brand Broadway cast and ample production values. However, the revival struggles at times to balance this serious tone with the show's signature irreverent spirit. It takes a while for the production to find its footing, as Timbers goes for a big, dark-and-stormy spectacle early on.

Fortunately, by the thrilling Act One finale, the production has locked in, and the show's wild and rangy second act is much more successful. The characters scatter into the woods, allowing the cast, led by a committed Taylor Trensch as Bat Boy, to embrace the production's manic energy. The result is a revival that, while not always the perfect fit, still captures the cult classic's unique blend of horror, comedy, and heart.