Catch Me If You Can! Photo by Carol Rosegg
The musical, Catch Me If You Can is now playing at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood through March 24. Based on the Dreamworks motion picture and Terrence McNall’s book, Catch Me If You Can will take the audience on a soaring-adventure with con-man Frank Abagnale Jr. This true life story, set in the 60s, is about a young man who had numerous identities and successfully posed as a pilot, doctor and a lawyer over a 5 year period. Frank was only 21 by the time the law caught up with him. The opening and final scene of Catch Me If You can is at the airport where Frank is cornered by FBI Agent Hanratty, who’s been hot on his trail. I wasn’t sure how this chronicle would translate into a musical but I was a believer by the end of the show!
Frank Abagnale, Jr is played by Stephen Anthony (Jesus Christ Superstar). Anthony has a youthful voice and did a wonderful job portraying this vivid character. Act 1 is set in New Rochelle, NY and Frank runs away from home when he’s in the middle of his parent’s custody case. He takes the bus to Manhattan and ensues a life of lies, forgery and poses as a Pam Am pilot. Full of catchy tunes like “The Pinstripes are all that they see” and “Butter Outta Cream”. It’s not until Act II where the performances are strong and grows stronger to match the unfolding drama plus we were treated with spectacular vocals and exciting choreography. Frank falls in love and although the character led an adventurous life, he ultimately learned that crime doesn’t pay. My favorite song is “Fly, Fly Away” which was sung by Frank’s love interest, Brenda (Aubrey Mae Davis of Legally Blonde). The song was emotional and breath-taking! I loved her character. There was wonderful chemistry amongst the cast and the musical left me wanting more. I’ll have to rent the movie with Leondardo Dicaprio and Tom Hanks! I’d love to see how they portray the cat and mouse duo!
Brenda sings Fly, Fly Away. Photo by Carol Rosegg
Pantages is a gorgeous theater with wonderful acoustics. There truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. Catch Me if you can is 2.5 hrs with a 15 minute intermission. Catch me if you can will make you laugh (witty lines!!) and you will cheer the cast on. This is definitely worth checking out as a date night or friends night out. The performers were spectacular and received a standing ovation on opening night. I would see it again!
Price Range: Prices start at $25
Parent Advisory: Ages 10 and Up (children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre). There is use of profanity and gun shots.
Find more info on http://www.broadwayla.org
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. Tee was invited to opening night free of charge to facilitate this review. GiThis will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
