First, there was Bat Boy, now -- for two more days, at least -- there's Lobster Boy!. This new musical by Matthew J. Boresi and Michael T. Watkins closes its world premiere Oct. 31 at the Chernin Center for the Performing Arts in Chicago. Previews began Sept. 9 for a Sept. 10 opening. Brian Lynch directs.

Set in a carnival freak show and inspired by actual events, Lobster Boy! is the story of Lyle Greely, the side show's "Lobster Boy," so named because a rare disorder, ectrodactyly, has made his hands into claws and cut his legs off in stumps. When a pretty, troubled runaway seeks refuge with the carnival, Lyle falls in love. Songs featured in the show include "Know What She Wants," "Hootchy-Kootchy," "The At-Show," "Gibtown," "Requiem for a Giant" and "Marks."

Jonathan Wagner stars as Lyle Greely, Jr, the "Lobster Boy." Also in the cast are Sarah Sorrentino (Rosemary Harper/Greely), Lucia Spina (Cora Lincoln), Andyt Peplinski (Shamus Lincoln), Eric Paul Loscheider (Maloney) and Marc Pera (Russell Spooner).

Tickets are $18-$22 with an $11 preview Sept. 9. To order, call Ticketmaster at (312) 902-1500. The Chernin Center for the Performing Arts is located in the Duncan YMCA at 1001 West Roosevelt Road.

-- By Christine Ehren