Character Descriptions
Below you will find character descriptions and audition material for all of the roles in the show:
Bat Boy (Edgar) - Stage Age: Late Teens - Early 20s
Edgar is half boy/half bat and his journey from a primitive/unrefined being to a well-rounded and civilized human (and the difficulties he encounters along the way) is the heart of our story. "Bat Boy" is very raw and unsophisticated at the beginning of the play (after all, he has lived in a cave his entire life and never been exposed to civilization) and can't even speak. However, with the Parker's help, he grows into "Edgar" (the name lovingly given to him by Meredith) – an intelligent and enthusiastic individual with a strong desire to be accepted and to fit in. He struggles with his identity (is he man or beast?) and the prejudice and hatred of the town. The actor playing Bat Boy/Edgar will have to be able to portray both sides of his personality and be able to tap into the confusion and anger that often boils up, all the while maintaining the innocent and loving essence of the character. The audience needs to sympathize with him or the musical will not work – therefore the actor playing this role must not only be a strong singer, but also a very strong actor in order to achieve this.
Vocal Audition: Comfort and Joy Part 2
Vocal Range: Tenor
Dr. Thomas Parker – Stage Age: 30's - 50's
The town veterinarian, Dr. Parker is asked to "take care" of the creature but is convinced to spare his life by his wife and daughter. He is a desperate man in a loveless marriage (due to the troubled past of the couple). As he sees the attachment growing between Bat Boy and Meredith, Dr. Parker grows to secretly despise the boy. Driven mad by this hatred and jealousy, he manipulates the situation using his veterinarian skills to his advantage – even at the price of human life. The actor playing this role must be a strong singer and actor and believably portray his decline into diabolical madness.
Vocal Audition: Dance With Me Darling
Vocal Range: Tenor
Meredith Parker – Stage Age: 30's - 50's
Dr. Parker's wife, Shelley's mother. Meredith is the epitome of the perfect housewife. She helps convince her husband to keep Bat Boy. She picks out a name for him, teaches him manners, and educates him; she does everything that the mother he never had would do – but in the process, a deeply kept secret is disturbed and her world starts to crumble around her. Can she save the ones she loves? The actress playing this role is in for a real treat – she is a wonderfully complex character with great songs (and therefore must have a strong voice with a strong belt). Meredith starts out relatively two-dimensional but as things start to go wrong she must make difficult decisions, step out of her comfort zone, and confront long-hidden emotions. There must be a strong connection between Meredith and Edgar.
Vocal Audition: Home For You
Vocal Range: Mezzo
Shelley Parker – Stage Age: Late Teens – Early 20's
The Parker's rebellious daughter. Shelley and her mother convince her father to spare Bat Boy. Shelley transforms from a spoiled brat who taunts Bat Boy into a young woman who falls in love with him and protects him from the town's wrath. The actress playing this role must have spunk, good comic timing, a strong voice, and a presence that endears not only Edgar but the audience as well.
Vocal Audition: Inside Your Heart
Vocal Range: Soprano
Sheriff Reynolds – Stage Age: 30-60
The Sheriff brings Bat Boy to Dr. Parker's house to be "taken care of". He is called upon by the town folks to deal with the situation whenever the situation goes awry. He is always the mediator and tries to do the right thing ... long as its good for his career!
Vocal Audition: Hold Me Bat Boy
Vocal Range: Tenor
Rick Taylor – Stage Age: Late Teens – Early 20's
One of the adventurous siblings who discovers Bat Boy in a cave. A bully and Shelley's boyfriend. Has a "rap" song.
Vocal Audition: Hold Me Bat Boy
Ron Taylor – Stage Age: Teenager
One of the adventurous siblings who discovers Bat Boy in a cave.
Vocal Audition: Hold Me Bat Boy
Vocal Range: Tenor
Ruthie Taylor – Stage Age: Teenager
One of the adventurous siblings who discovers Bat Boy in a cave.
Vocal Audition: Hold Me Bat Boy
Mrs. Taylor – Stage Age: 40's - 50's
Mother of Rick, Ron, Ruthie
Vocal Audition: Hold Me Bat Boy
Reverand Billy Hightower – Stage Age: 30-60
A small but memorable character, the Reverend is an over-the-top caricature of typical religious figures and provides many laughs during his spirited performance of the song "A Joyful Noise" at the town's revival ceremony. The actor playing this part must have good comedic timing and must be a strong singer who is able to riff and sing in the gospel style.
Vocal Audition: Joyful Noise
Vocal Range: Tenor
Pan – Stage Age: 25-40
A forest god who sings "Children, Children" and presides over an
interpretive marriage ceremony for Shelley and Bat Boy. Must be a strong
singer. Strong dancing ability a plus.
Vocal Audition: Hold Me Bat Boy
Vocal Range: Tenor
Ensemble (Townsfolk, Animals, Voices) – Stage Age: All!
Simple and superstitious, the townspeople are over-the-top representations
of rural farmers – think plaid shirts and cheesy southern accents! Most
ensemble members have solo speaking and singing lines and all have lots of
opportunities to shine. In addition to playing the townsfolk and getting
to sing great songs like "Another Dead Cow" and "A Joyful Noise", the
ensemble members also play animals in the forest scene ("Children,
Children") and the voices in Dr. Parkers head as he goes crazy. Actors
playing these roles must be strong singers and good actors and movers.
Vocal Audition: Hold Me Bat Boy