TAMPA, Fla. — If you’ve seen a Batman movie made after 1966, Michael Uslan probably produced it.

What You Need To Know

  • The Boy Who Loved Batman world premiere at Straz Center for Performing Arts

  • October 2nd - November 9th

  • Based on Memoir from Batman producer Michael Islan

  • Next stop: Broadway

“Batman has changed my life and I have changed Batman’s life,” said Uslan.

Uslan has produced dozens of deferent Batman stories- is now working on Batman… for the stage at the Straz Center in Tampa.

Uslan offers the plot:

“Blue collar kid from New Jersey who dreams helping restore the darkness of Batman,” said Uslan.

It’s based on his memoir “The Boy Who Loved Batman.”

“First I have to do what my mentor and friend Stan Lee said: ‘Always get in a plug.’”

Uslan wanted Batman to be less campy than his 1960’s treatment in movies and television show.

His vision – a return to the original Dark Night of the comics.

“And I don’t know how to tell you this—but it’s a major plot point in our new play,” said Uslan.

A play complete with its own bat cave-kinda — it’s the costuming department.

We can see several capes and a mask — the mask!

Uslan picked it up.

“I have in my hands my past, present and future,” said Uslan “I have been inspired by Batman since was four-years-old. My mom said I learned to read from Batman comics before I was four.”

And as a thank you — Uslan restored Batman’s original persona: less camp, more cool.

“And I kind of feel like I helped restore the darkness and the dignity to Batman. So ever Hero needs a hero.”

And after Batman’s run at the Straz, the theatres of New York City await (and maybe Gotham after that?).