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On the evening of Tuesday, June 28th, 2009, I had the special chance to see the very first showing of the WORLD PREMIERE of Catch Me If You Can the Musical! It is currently performing at the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle with a pre-Broadway run, much like they did years ago with Hairspray, the hit show adapted for stage by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the masterminds behind this brand new musical. Naturally, I came to the theatre excited and full of high expectations (who wouldn't?). Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed.
If you are not aware, the musical Catch Me If You Can is based off of the major 2002 DreamWorks film of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. Both the movie and musical are, in turn, based off of the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr., a handsome, cunning, and charismatic conman who posed as an airline pilot and a trained physician (among other careers), successfully stealing millions of dollars, all before he turned 19.
This show stars Norbert Leo Butz (Wicked, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) as FBI agent Carl Hanratty and Aaron Tveit (Next to Normal) as the infamous Frank Abagnale Jr. Other stars include Tom Wopat (A Catered Affair) as Frank Sr. and Kelly Butler (Hairspray, Xanadu) as Brenda, the adorable, innocent nurse that stole Frank's heart.
So, enough with the technical stuff. Did I enjoy it? Well, lets see, was there:
- Loud, exciting show-stoppers sung by amazingly talented performers, including both veterans and newcomers? Check!
- Colorful, creative, and of course, retro costumes by a fantastic designer? Check!
- Innovative dance numbers that have you shaking in your seat? Check!
- A simple set that was still visually appealing and intriguing to the eye? Check!
- A sing-a-long for the audience, complete with a bouncing ball (!!!), without being TOO cheesy? Check!
- A memorable, fun show that has you leaving the theatre smiling, anticipating the day when the cast recording will be on sale? Check, check, check!!!!!!!
Needless to say, I LOVED it. It was a great show. I find myself saying that quite often, but I do believe it. I have no doubt that whenever this show finally takes off, it will leave fans pleasantly surprised that this was not just another movie-turned-musical flop. It is a thrilling show that could only be accomplished by such talented creators and executed by top-notch performers.
I would just like to applaud Aaron Tveit, who for such a young performer is so talented (and, even better, adorable). He handled his role well, bringing Frank Jr. to life perfectly, and his voice is golden. I can only see great things in his future!
Catch Me If You Can runs July 28th through August 16th. If you are anywhere near the Seattle area, I highly recommend you try to get tickets as soon as possible! Keep an eye out for this amazing show as it makes it's way to Broadway!
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