Interview: Travis Cormier on Bringing “Strat” to Life in “Bat Out of Hell” in Worcester
By Reanna Filmore
WORCESTER, MA — When Bat Out of Hell: The Musical came to Worcester on April 23, audiences experienced a production that blended rock concert energy with theatrical storytelling. Ahead of the performance, What’s Up Worcester’s Reanna spoke with Travis Cormier, who portrayed Strat, about the role, the music, and what sets the show apart.
Built around the music of Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman, the production combined familiar storytelling influences with one of the most recognizable catalogs in rock music.
“It’s not your typical musical,” Cormier said. “It felt much more like a rock concert.”
Understanding Strat
Cormier described Strat as a character defined by both rebellion and vulnerability. In the production, Strat remained 18 forever and led a group known as “The Lost,” while also navigating a central love story.
“He had that rebellious front-man energy, but there was also a vulnerable side to him,” Cormier said.
According to Cormier, the story balanced elements of fantasy and conflict, drawing comparisons to narratives similar to Peter Pan and Romeo and Juliet, while exploring themes of love, identity, and resistance.
Performing Music with Deep Meaning
Cormier said performing songs that already held emotional significance for audiences added a unique layer to the experience.
He reflected on his own connection to the music, recalling listening to the Bat Out of Hell album at a young age and remembering the feeling it created. That connection, he said, carried into each performance.
“People came in with memories tied to those songs,” he said. “You could see their reactions and how much it meant to them.”
During the Worcester performance, that connection was reflected in audience engagement throughout the show.
Life on Tour
Cormier also spoke about the demands of touring, noting that the schedule required discipline and consistency.
With frequent travel and one-night performances, he described the experience as physically demanding and said he approached it with the mindset of an athlete, focusing on preparation and recovery to maintain performance quality.
Reaching New Audiences
One of the defining aspects of Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, Cormier said, was its ability to appeal to a broad audience.
He noted that while traditional musical theater audiences could connect with the storytelling, the rock-driven format also attracted those who might not typically attend stage productions.
A High-Energy Experience in Worcester
Following the April 23 performance, the production delivered what Cormier described as a full commitment from the cast each night.
He said the goal was for audiences to leave having felt something genuine, with the cast putting everything into each performance.
W.U.W. Verification Box
Sources:
- Direct interview conducted by What’s Up Worcester with Travis Cormier
What We Know:
- Travis Cormier portrayed Strat in Bat Out of Hell: The Musical
- The production performed in Worcester on April 23
- The show features music by Meat Loaf and Jim Steinman
- Interview covered role interpretation, touring experience, and audience engagement
What Is Not Yet Confirmed:
- Future performances or return dates in Worcester
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