LITERARY AND THEATRICAL DEVICES IN BAT BOY: THE MUSICAL
Bat Boy: The Musical uses a wide range of storytelling devices to create a show that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. On the surface, this musical is full of comedy, horror, and exaggerated characters, but underneath, it explores deeper themes about identity, prejudice, and acceptance. The creators use tools like satire, irony, and symbolism to poke fun at society while also asking important questions about how communities treat outsiders and what it means to belong. By mixing familiar styles from horror movies, melodrama, gospel and rock music, and more, the show keeps audiences laughing and engaged, while also encouraging them to think more critically about the world around them. The following is a list of literary and theatrical devices seen in Bat Boy along with examples.
Satire
The use of humor, irony, exaggeration to point out flaws in society
Example: The show satirizes small-town prejudice and mob mentality, poking fun at blind conformity and fear of the “other.” The townspeople immediately condemn Bat Boy without understanding him.
Irony
Contrast between what is expected and what happens in reality
Example: Despite being a “bat boy,” Edgar is portrayed as more intelligent, eloquent, and kind than most of the humans who ridicule him.
Allusion
Reference to another work, idea, or cultural element
Example: The musical references stories of creatures and human interactions, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.
Symbolism
When a character, object, or event represents a larger idea
Example: Bat Boy himself symbolizes the “outsider” in society, an embodiment of difference, prejudice, and misunderstood identity.
Foreshadowing
Hints or clues about events to come later in the story
Example: Early in the show, hints about Dr. Parker’s darker motivations give clues to the later reveal of his connection to Bat Boy’s origins.
Parody
A humorous or exaggerated imitation of familiar stories, characters, or styles.
Example: Bat Boy draws on horror tropes like those used in Frankenstein and Dracula, exaggerating them to create both comedy and commentary on how we fear the unfamiliar.
Heightened Musical Styles
Using various musical styles to enhance a story
Example: The score jumps from gospel (“A Joyful Noise”) to rock (“Hold Me, Bat Boy”) to Golden Age musical theater (“Show You a Thing or Two”), and more, mirroring the chaos and exaggeration of the narrative.
Grotesque Humor
Combining Horror and Comedy to shock and amuse audiences
Example: Scenes of blood, violence, and medical absurdities are intentionally staged so outrageously that they become funny instead of terrifying
When Dr. Parker feeds Bat Boy a rat in order to help him learn faster, he suddenly attacks and drinks its blood. The moment is shocking but often played in an exaggerated, silly way with big reactions and over-the-top staging that make the audience laugh even as they’re surprised. This mix of horror and comedy helps the audience understand Bat Boy’s wild nature while also poking fun at how people react to things they don’t understand.
Melodrama
Big displays of emotions with clearly established heroes and villains that go through sensational events
Example: Dr. Parker’s villainous outbursts and Shelley’s dramatic declarations of love for Bat Boy are presented with heightened theatricality, playfully echoing melodramatic tropes seen in soap operas. When Meredith yells “Shelley, noooooooo!” in Act 2, that references a form of line delivery in melodramatic media.