In Part Two of a series of interviews with the cast of Bat Boy:The Musical at 1st Stage, meet Jimmy Mavrikes.
Joel: Introduce yourself and tell our readers where they might have seen you on the stage before.
Jimmy: My name is Jimmy Mavrikes. I along with many others in the DC Theatre community, graduated from good ole’ Catholic University. I did a few shows there including Drowsy Chaperone and Finian’s Rainbow. Most recently I was in Spamalot at Toby’s Dinner Theatre. I’ve also done a few shows with Infinity Theatre Company in Annapolis, Maryland; recently I played Arpad in She Loves Me. Upcoming I have Fiddler on the Roof at Arena Stage.
Why did you want to be part of this production of Bat Boy? Had you seen it or heard about it before?
Bat Boy has been a dream show for a while. Catholic’s student run theatre company, CenterStage, did it my Junior year. I was not able to audition because I was in another show at the time. So disappointing. So I was so excited when I heard about auditions at 1st Stage.
What did you sing at your audition?
I sang “Sensitive Song” from Cops the Musical, also written by Lawrence O’Keffe. Its a really sad song about how the character is breaking up with a “Skanky Whore.” Can I say that?
You just did Jimmy.
Who do you play in the show and how do you relate to your character? What do you admire about him?
I play Edgar, the Bat Boy. Growing up I had a really hard time finding my place. This is exactly where Edgar is in the show. He wants to fit in with the people of Hope Falls, but just doesn’t seem to be able to. I admire Edgar because he is such a fighter, something I was not.
Have you worked with any of your castmates before?
I went to CUA with Maria Rizzo and Maggie Walker. Maggie and I were in Man of la Mancha together. Maria was in Urinetown with me freshman year and we had a blast.
Which character in the show is most like you and the least like you?
Hard to say. I think most of the characters in Bat Boy have some qualities that are similar to my own… Except Mrs. Taylor. She crazy. I would have to say Edgar is most like me. Mostly because I have gotten to know and fall in love with playing this character so much during the rehearsal process. He really struggles with fighting the beast inside him. And I am not saying I have an inner beast that wants to murder, but we all have something, big or small, that you try hard to conceal. I think Bat Boy realizes that in the end, thats not the best thing. You should be who you are, and if *Spoiler Alert!* Hope Falls, West Virginia was more accepting, *Spoiler Alert!* we would have a happier ending.
Tell me about the solos/duets you sing and what we learn about your characters when you sing the song(s).
I sing “Apology to a Cow” toward the end of the show. This is really where Edgar really decides what he is. I don’t think it is about giving up, rather it’s about getting stronger and becoming what you are. I also really enjoy singing “Inside Your Heart” with Maria. To be in a show with such a great performer is amazing, so to sing a duet with her is even better.
What do you admire most about your castmates performances?
Everyone in this cast is bringing something completely different to the show. I would say we are a cast of strong individuals that work amazingly together. In this ensemble show, Farrell brings her gorgeous tones, Maggie’s vicious belt, Russell has amazing characterizations ranging from teenage boy to southern woman, Stephen brings his strong character voice work, Dani’s quick wit, and Katie, well she does look pretty hot with a mustache.
What amazes you about the show’s design and how does it help tell the story?
Honestly this might be the best part of the show. Our director is a brilliant set designer and he really brings design into telling the story. He chose an amazing team of designers that work together so well. Featured in our set is a huge moon that is accented with lights with go along with great sound cues. Its a designers dream come true.
What is your favorite song that you don’t sing in the show and why?
Definitely “Another Dead Cow.” The cast gets to have a hoedown and sing great one liners
What is the best advice Director Steven Royal has given you in preparing for your performance?
A few months back he told me to start going to the gym. If I listened a little better maybe I’d finally have those fierce abs.
What have you learned about yourself-the actor and singer-while going through this Bat Boy experience?
Taking care of yourself is of upmost importance. Not just staying healthy, but staying in shape physically and vocally as well. This show is difficult to do one time… and we have five show weekends.
What do you want audiences to take with them after seeing Bat Boy?
Acceptance is on the way up, but we aren’t quite there yet. Also, HAVE FUN. Laugh! The show is funny, I promise.
Bat Boy: The Musical plays through June 22, 2014 at 1st Stage-1524 Spring Hill Road, in Tysons, VA. For tickets, purchase them online.
LINK
‘Comfort and Joy’: Appearing in 1st Stage’s ‘Bat Boy:The Musical’: Part 1: Farrell Parker.
