A Conversation with Batboy Stars 
It is one of my favorite musicals, so I snapped up the chance to talk with Matt Macis (Edgar/Batboy) and Talia Segal (Shelley) about their roles in Landless Theatre Company’s production of BATBOY: THE MUSICAL.
Matt tells us how he made the Batboy role uniquely his own when others copy its originator, Deven May’s performance. Matt and Talia talk about their biting relationship in the show, the advantages of performing in DCAC’s small space, and offer us a sample of their songs from the show.
Among my favorite moments – when Matt, a Michael Jackson impersonator, sings a song from the show à la the gloved wonder.
Read Gary McMillan’s rave review here.
I LOVED this show. My father was playing in the band as the guitar player so I saw the show more than once. Matt’s performance was scary good. Unfortunatly, it’s run just ended today. So, you can’t see it anymore.
But I highly reccomend it.
I’m glad you liked the production. I thought it was terrific. Matt is only 19 – it’s hard to believe! I had a blast recording this podcast with Talia and Matt at my living room table. There’s one weekend left in the run and I hope you all go see the show. Look for Matt in his next show – as Huckleberry Finn in Big River. He’ll be terrific. Joel
I loved this show *my boyfriend even said it wasn’t bad and he hates plays and musicals*. I have seen it three times before this production, and this was certainly a standout.
Of note are (forgive me if I mispell your name I don’t have a program on me) Reverend Hightower(who holds the long note in Joyful Noise for like 30 seconds or something), Andrew Baughman was great as Dr. Parker, Ron/Lorraine were HYSTERICAL. The drummer playing a cow was funny during the parts she became a part of the show. Sheriff had me cracking up the whole time. Talia Segal is good as Shelley too.
Matt Macis as Batboy is fantasic – probably as good if not better than the guy at Studio when I saw it there. You could tell his voice is a little tired during Apology to a Cow but his performance left me in awe. Someone told me he is 18 or 19, which is even more incredible. I think this is the only time Batboy will ever moonwalk.
See it if you have the chance. I’m going to go to a lot more Landless Theater shows now to see how they compare to Batboy.
GREAT Show! EXTREEMELY IMPRESSED with the talent of the cast in this intimate theater setting. Definately worth taking the time to see! Matt M is fantastic in any show, but this one is exceptional!
Wow, Joel! We couldn’t ask for a better interview! I’m glad that you discovered our Batboy’s special talent, too (he does sneak a few moves into the show during one special moment, and caps it with a fabulous one liner: “Who’s Bat?”)
As one of DC’s own “Off-Broadway” companies, Landless is thrilled to bring this Off-Broadway hit to town. It’s one of my personal favorites because not many musicals can turn on a dime from zany camp to poignant tragedy (and back again). I hope everyone will come down to our “batcave” at DCAC and see this show. Matt and Talia are the icing on the cake of an ensemble of some of the most talented musical actors we have seen in a long time.
Tickets and details online at http://www.landlesstheatrecompany.org – only two weekends left, and very limited seating.
Thanks again, Joel! Now I’m sorry for subjecting you to ‘Frozty.” 🙂
Best,
Andrew Baughman
Producing Artistic Director
The Landless Theatre Company
What a funny interview! Great idea Joel. It was a real “Thriller”
When does this run close? I have to see this!
Edgar is totally ripped 🙂 !