Harvard University Presents BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL With the Help of LEGALLY BLONDE Composer Laurence O'Keefe

The Harvard Office for the Arts (OFA) is sponsoring the largest independent student directed and produced show at Harvard this fall, BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL, at the New College Theatre (NCT) in Harvard Square from December 4 to December 11.

Monster or man? This is the question at the heart of Bat Boy: The Musical, the exciting story of tabloid sensation Bat Boy. Ripped from his cave and thrust into the spotlight, Bat Boy must decide whether to pursue his dreams of a civilized life or to give in to his animal thirst for blood. The only student-directed play in the Mainstage or NCT this fall, BAT BOY also marks the return to Harvard of Broadway composer/lyricist Larry O'Keefe '91, who has worked with students to bring his vision to life in his alma mater's premiere musical theater venue.

Larry O'Keefe, who has been involved in the production since last May, visited Harvard in October to work with students on the production. In addition to working closely with the director and music director towards the beginning of the rehearsal process, O'Keefe sat in on rehearsals and re-worked music specifically for this production.

BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL is written by Keythe Farley and Brian Flemming with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe. The Harvard production is directed by Matthew Bohrer '10, music directed by Alex Lipton '11, choreographed by Ricky Kuperman '11, and produced by Katie McNicol'12.

Performances are at the New College Theatre (12 Holyoke Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge, MA) on December 4, December 5, December 6, December 9, December 10, and December 11. All performances begin at 8pm with matinees at 2pm on Saturday the 5th and Sunday the 6th.

BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL features Walter Klyce '10 as Bat Boy, Samara Oster '13 as Shelley Parker, Megan Amram '10 as MerEdith Parker, Adam Lathram '10 as Doctor Parker, Ryan Halprin '12 as Sheriff Reynolds, Gus Hickey '11 as Mrs. Taylor, Jonathan Finn-Gamino '12 as Rick Taylor, Brandon Ortiz '12 as Ron Taylor, Maya Sugarman '12 as Ruthie Taylor, Sam Linden '12 as Pan, Caroline Giuliani '11 as Mayor Maggie, Cassandra Rasmussen '13 as Lorraine, Haley Bennet '13 as Daisy, Daniel Kroop '10 as Mr. Dillon, and Jonas Budris '06 as Reverend Hightower.

The cast and crew is made up of Harvard's premiere performers and artists, students who have worked with the The Hasty Pudding Theatricals, The Harvard Lampoon, The Harvard-Radcliffe Gilbert and Sullivan Players, the Harvard-Radcliffe Dramatic Club, The Harvard Krokodiloes, and the Harvard Ballet Company.

Set and lighting design is by Mary Ellen Stebbins '08 and Tiffany Bradshaw '10. Sound design is by Josh Stein '09. Costume design is by Janice He '11.

Tickets can be purchased at the Harvard Box Office (Holyoke Center, 1350 Mass. Ave., 617-496-2222). Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Harvard students, and $5 for groups of 5 or more. Visit www.batboylives.com for more information.