Batman show descends on Rio Rancho

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - It's Gotham City come alive for audiences this week in Rio Rancho as “Batman Live” hits the stage at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho.

Photos: Behind the Scenes at Batman Live

The massive production started showing on Wednesday, bringing with it the full cast of characters from the popular comic series.

The show’s organizers say that it takes about 15 semis worth of stage equipment to set up and bring Batman and his villains to life.

“Everybody knows who he is and everybody knows what they want you to be so it's a real joy to be able to play that,” says George Turvey who plays Batman.

Spoken by the caped crusader himself, all the characters are leaping from the pages of the comic book to the stage over a five nights worth of shows in Batman Live.

The stage was set on Wednesday and dancers stretched out for the vigorous routines that make up the show. Not to mention the stunning acrobatics that go along with the action.

“It's amazing,” Turvey said. “It's so much fun especially there's one move that really, really goes back fast. It kind of takes your breath away, it's a lot of fun.”

There are also a lot of stunts by trained dancers. In addition to all the acting are the other stars of the show, like the Batmobile.

“What's wonderful is that it really has a circus element but it also has what is a fantastic story,” says Emma Clifford who plays the role of Catwoman. “It's the story of Dick Graison coming of age and becoming Robin.”

Other cast members share their experience.

“I grew up being a big fan of the original Cesar Romero incarnation of the Joker,” says Mark Frost who currently plays the role of the Joker.  “I'm old enough to remember the Adam West series. I guess I've always identified with the villains. I always though they were more fun to play.”

The stats on putting the show together are pretty impressive. This was about two and a half years in the making, there are 42 actors and circus trained acrobats. A 105 foot bat shaped led display not to mention the Batmobile which was designed by race car designer Professor Gordon Murray.

For tickets you can log onto www.batmanlive.com