It was a “bat meets girl” kind of night at the New York City Center on Wednesday as theater and fashion luminaries gathered to celebrate the opening of this year’s Encores! series with a revival of the cult classic Bat Boy: The Musical.
The evening doubled as a gala honoring producer Bee Carrozzini, recognized for her Tony Award–winning work on acclaimed productions such as Parade, Appropriate, and Gutenberg! The Musical!. Among the star-studded attendees were Anna Wintour, Ben Platt, Jordan Roth, Whitney White, Andrew Rannells, Prabal Gurung, David Burtka, and Amber Ruffin—many there to celebrate Carrozzini, whom Wintour lovingly described as her “best friend and forever theater date.”
“I am so deeply moved to be honored by New York City Center—an institution that means so much to the city and to theater kids everywhere,” Carrozzini shared with the crowd during the post-show dinner at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.
The night also spotlighted City Center’s ongoing mission to make the arts accessible, with ticket prices kept at or below $40 even as Broadway prices soar. Its commitment to reviving lesser-known musicals has become a cornerstone of the venue’s legacy, offering audiences a chance to rediscover hidden gems.
Carrozzini reflected on that mission, recalling her experience seeing Ragtime at City Center on the eve of the 2024 presidential election. “I thought it would be a night of celebration—the perfect time to celebrate the American dream,” she said. “But it became something deeper. As Josh Henry’s voice filled the theater, the audience cried together, held hands, and built community in real time.”
That spirit of togetherness is something Carrozzini has carried throughout her life. She reminisced about watching Rodgers and Hammerstein movies with her late father, attending Hairspray eight times as a teen, and even attempting voice lessons—ending with what she humorously called a “less-than-stellar” rendition of Where Is Love? from Oliver!
Director Alex Timbers, who helmed the new production of Bat Boy, praised Carrozzini’s “vision, moxie, and instinctual understanding of what connects with audiences.” His updated take on the 2001 musical included new songs and book revisions, reinvigorating the beloved story for a modern audience.
The musical follows a half-human, half-bat boy discovered in a cave in small-town West Virginia, who struggles to find acceptance in a community torn between fascination and fear. Taylor Trensch brought warmth and wit to the title role, supported by Kerry Butler—the original Shelley from the 2001 production—now portraying the maternal Meredith. The ensemble also featured Christopher Sieber, Marissa Jaret Winokur, and Alex Newell, whose show-stopping turn as a glittering satyr drew roaring applause.
“Bat Boy is, in many ways, a modern fairy tale,” Timbers told Vogue. “It’s about outsiders, empathy, and the dangers of fear—and there’s no better time to explore those themes.”
As for what’s next for Carrozzini? She hinted at another bold project: a musical inspired by Martha Stewart. “Watch this space,” she teased with a smile.
