‘Batman Live’ is an action-packed adventure on stage

“I’ve always been a fan of Batman,” he says during a recent interview from Las Vegas, Nev. “Who doesn’t love the whole battle between good and evil? It’s something that captures the attention of all ages.”

Today, Turvey is the hero he wanted to be.

	‘Batman Live’ WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, Thursday, Oct. 18, and Oct. 19; Noon, 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Oct. 20; 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 21 WHERE: Santa Ana Star Center, 3001 Civic Center Circle NE, Rio Rancho HOW MUCH: $19.50-$63.25 at www.comcasttix.com or www.batmanlive.com or 888-694-4849

As Batman each night, Turvey dons the black suit and transforms into the man behind the mask and his alter ego, Bruce Wayne, in the traveling stage show “Batman Live.” He gets to battle iconic villains such as The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler, Scarecrow, Two-Face, Poison Ivy, Harley Quinn and Catwoman.

“I get to fly and fight on stage for a living,” Turvey says. “It’s one of the most amazing jobs from a lot of standpoints.”

The show began its tour in Manchester, England, in 2011 and opened in the United States in September. It will run for five days at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho from Wednesday, Oct. 17, through Oct. 21.

Turvey says the play’s plot is interesting and revolves around the origin of Robin, aka Dick Grayson.

It begins with the murder of Bruce Wayne’s parents in the past and then shows how in the present day he has become the masked vigilante, Batman, as a result.

After his circus acrobat parents are murdered by a gangster during a performance in Gotham City, the orphaned Grayson is put into the care of Wayne and his faithful butler, Alfred, by Commissioner Gordon. As the various villains of Gotham team up to defeat their nemesis, Wayne reveals his identity to Grayson and eventually teaches him to properly channel his anger — to seek justice, not revenge. The new pair is sorely tested when The Joker reveals his master plan to release the inmates of Arkham Asylum into Gotham and to use Grayson as bait in a final deadly trap for Batman.

“The show is more than just fighting the bad guys,” Turvey explains. “It’s about the journey that each man is taking. They are learning from each other and growing as individuals.”

While there is a strong storyline to the play, Turvey says there also are incredible stunts.

“Fitness is key and it’s a physically demanding role,” he explains. “We have fight training every day. When I got this role, I wasn’t in tip-top shape. But now, after months of doing the show, I’ve become a lot fitter and have increased my stamina.”

While Turvey gets to zip down to the stage, it’s Steve Minning who keeps the show running smoothly. Minning, “Batman Live’s” resident director, is responsible for overseeing the 42-member cast.

“I watch every show and I take notes on what goes well and what doesn’t,” he explains. “With this being a live show and changing venues weekly, the job is never ending. I have to ensure the safety of the cast as well as making sure they are prepared.”

Minning worked previously with Cirque du Soleil and says bringing “Batman Live” to fruition has been quite a task.

“This is a show with an iconic character on stage,” he explains. “So the story and the casting had to be on point. It’s a larger show and full of action. There are so many elements to the entire show. Not to mention that it is massive to move it to a different city week after week.”

While Turvey never did get a chance to be the hero while growing up, he finds himself overwhelmed with emotions when taking the stage.

“This is something for all ages,” he says. “The audience embraces the story and starts to root for Batman when he’s down. This often gives me a confidence boost, especially after nearly two hours of performing when I’m fatigued.”

One would think that suiting up as Batman would be the biggest thrill, but not for Turvey.

“The acrobatics are amazing,” he explains. “But the main thing that I love about the show is the Batmobile. It’s a new design, and each time it comes on stage, the audience is amazed. I feel as excited as the audience because I get to play in it and it’s a thrill. I think this is the time that I feel justified as a hero.”