Get ready for a fang-tastic episode of No Small Parts, the podcast that shines a spotlight on the heart and soul of community theatre! This time, host Scott Leon Smith takes us behind the scenes at Bucyrus Little Theatre in Ohio, where rehearsals for the cult classic Bat Boy: The Musical are in full swing. Buckle up, Broadway fans, because this episode is a hilarious, heartfelt dive into a show that’s equal parts Hamilton swagger, Mean Girls sass, and pure, unfiltered weirdness. Well ... kind of ...

Scott sits down with a few members of his cast, Cynthia Carvel (Shelly), Emma White (Meredith), and Chris Collins (Dr. Parker), to dish on what makes Bat Boy a one-of-a-kind theatrical beast. This off-Broadway gem, inspired by a 90s tabloid tale of a half-boy, half-bat found in a West Virginia cave, is a raucous blend of musical theatre genres. Think rock ballads, country hoedowns, rap battles, and Broadway-style belters, all wrapped in a madcap, self-aware package that pokes fun at itself and the entire musical theatre world. It’s like if Little Shop of Horrors and Beetlejuice had a lovechild that grew up reading Weekly World News.

Cynthia, a 16-year-old theatre kid with a passion for singing, spills the tea on playing Shelly, the bratty teen who falls for the charismatic, bad-boy vibes of Bat Boy (played by the talented Darius, who’s sadly not here, so they talk behind his back). Emma, a phlebotomist by day (perfect for a show obsessed with blood!), shares her journey stepping into the complex role of Meredith, Shelly’s sitcom-mom with a mysterious edge. And Chris, channeling his inner mad scientist as Dr. Parker, dishes on tackling high-energy rock numbers and dancing (or flubbing) his way through the show’s wild choreography.

From Nosferatu-inspired costumes to projections that dial up the '90s horror schlock, this production is pushing the envelope at Bucyrus Little Theatre. Expect dance breaks that’ll make you want to line dance in the aisles, key changes that sneak up like a bat in the night, and a story that’s as touching as it is bizarre. With nods to Broadway heavyweights like Kerry Butler (Mean Girls, Beetlejuice) and Jonathan Groff (Hamilton), this episode proves Bat Boy is more than just a cult hit; it’s a love letter to the weird and wonderful world of community theatre.

Tune in to hear Scott and his cast share pizza-fueled banter, rehearsal war stories, and why this show is a must-see for anyone who loves musical theatre with a side of chaos. Catch Bat Boy: The Musical at Bucyrus Little Theatre from October 17th-19th and 24th-26th, 2025, with special Saturday matinees to accommodate the cast’s homecoming plans.

Grab your tickets at busyruslittletheatre.com and prepare for a bloody good time!

Bucyrus Little Theatre is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We are located at 130 Songer Avenue, Bucyrus, Ohio.

In this delightful episode of No Small Parts, host Scott Leon Smith sits down with Cindy Light, the seasoned director of Willy Wonka Jr. at Bucyrus Little Theatre. Dive into the whimsical world of this youth production as Cindy shares her process for choosing the show, managing a lively cast of 8- to 18-year-olds, and balancing fun with discipline. From the challenges of directing dual casts to incorporating young talent in tech roles, Cindy reveals how she creates a magical experience for both performers and audiences. Learn about the vibrant energy of the kids, the creative use of new projection technology, and what makes this hour-long journey into Roald Dahl’s candy-coated world a must-see. Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at the heart and hustle of community theatre!

Key Takeaways Of This Episode:

1. Casting for Kids: Cindy Light emphasizes selecting shows like Willy Wonka Jr. to suit the talents and ages of young performers, ensuring roles for both younger and older kids to maximize participation.

2. Dual Cast Dynamics: Managing two casts for a youth production presents unique challenges, but strategic role assignments and shared rehearsals help streamline the process while giving more kids stage time.

3. Tech-Savvy Youth: The production leverages teenagers’ tech skills for sound, video, and lighting, fostering valuable learning opportunities and enhancing the show with innovative projection technology.

Show dates: August 7–10. Tickets available July 20 at www.bucyruslittletheatre.com.

Join host Scott Leon Smith and Bucyrus Little Theatre (BLT) President Abbey Kanellakis for an exciting episode of No Small Parts, recorded from a sweltering dressing room at the historic Bucyrus Little Theatre in Bucyrus, Ohio. In this episode, titled "No Small Parts," the duo unveils the theatre's vibrant 2025-26 season, packed with eclectic performances that promise to captivate audiences.

The season kicks off with Bat Boy: The Musical, directed by Scott himself, a wild fusion of 90s tabloid culture and 1950s monster movie schlock. Expect a half-boy, half-bat creature, 90s dance moves, and a nod to the sensational Weekly World News stories. Next, Abbey makes her directorial debut with Christmas Belles, a hilarious Texas-set Christmas pageant gone awry, complete with leopard print, big hair, and an Elvis impersonator. The season continues with Neil Simon’s Rumors, directed by Jason Chandler, a chaotic comedy about wealthy couples entangled in a web of gossip at a 10th anniversary party. Closing the season is the community-chosen Mamma Mia!, directed by Rick Walker, bringing ABBA’s infectious hits and Greek island charm to the stage.

Beyond the season announcement, Scott and Abbey share insights into BLT’s commitment to community engagement, including their thriving Teen Theatre Club, youth improv troupe, and master acting classes led by Scott. They also highlight the upcoming summer youth production of Willy Wonka Jr., featuring over 50 young performers, and discuss opportunities for sponsorships and memberships to support this beloved 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre.

Tune in for a lively conversation filled with humor, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and a passionate celebration of community theatre. Whether you’re a local or traveling from afar, BLT’s 2025-26 season is not to be missed!