The American theatrical debut of Jim Steinman’s “Bat Out of Hell,” featuring the music made popular by Meat Loaf, debuted at New York City Center Aug. 1, for a six-week run.
The musical, a futuristic fantasy that combines elements of “Peter Pan,” “Romeo and Juliet” and the hard-driving sound of some of rock music’s most beloved hits, features Andrew Polec in the lead role of “Strat,” reprising his award-winning debut performance, which he originated during the play’s two-year run in London’s West End.
Polec is no stranger to the spotlight. As the son of former Channel 6 Action News reporter Don Polec, Andrew appeared in a number of his dad’s on-air features from the time he was in second grade.
His love for the stage developed during his years with the Patriot Players at Central Bucks East High School and continued through his time at the University of Rochester and Brown University, where he earned an MFA in performing arts.
The younger Polec was performing off-Broadway in the role of Matt in “The Fantasticks” when the opportunity came up to headline this ground-breaking musical.
Originally conceived as a theatrical production back in the mid-1970s, various challenges prevented “Bat Out of Hell” from being staged. It was then decided to release the music as an album, which went on to become one of the biggest sellers of all time.
The current project revives the original idea and could be said to be a stage show 40 years in the making.
With classic favorites like “Two out of Three Ain’t Bad”; “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” and “I Would Do Anything for Love,” the show is a high-energy homage to the music that defined a generation as well as a fun and uplifting love story.
“I think this music and the story will reach out and touch your soul,” Polec said. “I consider it an exciting opportunity to delve into such a classic and eternally relevant piece of art.”
“Bat Out of Hell” runs through Sept. 8 at New York City Center.
