Hold me, Bat Boy.

SATCO did it again, what a wonderful production.

First, the big improvements: sound production was wonderful. In past years, mics at this theatre sometimes had poor mixing, and would frequently cut out. Not so, for Bat Boy. I heard every single word, and each one sounded great.

Sightlines in the venue have improved as well, some of the "floor level" chairs have been terraced upwards, making it easier to see over the heads in front of you. Still, get there early and find a good seat.

The chairs are stil tiny and uncomfortable folding chairs, so bring a pillow.

Bat Boy itself exceeded all expectations. Despite being a long Fringe show (at 1hr 45 min) it blew past. It didn't drag, and the cast energy remained high.

Jayden Leung is a joy to watch as Bat Boy, played with just the right amount of comedy to keep it funny and fresh, without being cartoonish. Patrick Lynn nails Dr. Thomas Parker with just the right level of dread boiling beneath the surface. "You're sad, drunk and miserable, but make it funny" is a tough directorial note that he nails.

The show straddles a line of comedic, but not a comedy. Dramatic, but still a little silly. And cartoonish, until it's not. As the tone shifts, the cast and band all deftly shift their performances to reflect the updated tone.

Good stuff.

Once again, the SATCO run was sold out, so this is your advice for next year: get them before they're gone.