The world premiere of Bat Boy: The Musical, takes place Oct. 31 at the Actors Gang Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Bat Boy, a half-bat/half-boy, was made legendary by the supermarket tabloid "The Weekly World News." This musical rendition of his story spans his entire life from the time he was discovered in a West Virginia cave to his 13-state reign of terror to his tragic early death.

Deven May will portray the title character in the 12-member cast. Music and lyrics are by Laurence O'Keefe; the book is by Brian Flemming and Keythe Farley, and Farley is also directing.

According to its writers, the musical is by turns funny, poignant, and tragic.

"We didn't want to do the usual Bat Boy story," says co-writer Flemming. "Our goal is to present him with compassion, instead of the hysteria that infects most of the news accounts. We take this story very, very seriously," Flemming added.

The Actors' Gang was founded by Tim Robbins in 1981 and specializes in creating and performing challenging productions.

The Actors' Gang Theatre is located at 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA. For tickets, call (213) 466-1767.

-- By Sean McGrath and Rebecca Paller