Catch Me If You Can

Catch Me If You Can, for those who aren’t well acquainted with the film, is a biographical crime drama. Here, we follow the life and crimes of Frank Abagnale Jr (Jake Speer), a very young, very successful fraudster, and his dogged pursuit by detective Carl Hanratty (Tim Draxl). Terrance McNally’s adaptation of the original novel, with songs by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, adds a meta element. Serious family drama, love, and loneliness seep through the script, which moves away from the film’s more straight-faced interpretation.

Cameron Mitchell is both director and choreographer, and the large ensemble numbers are refined and glamorously executed. The '60s setting gets a big and brash introduction with go-go dancers in short, sequined dresses atop platforms. How can one not go gaga for go-go? Mitchells’ directorial talent is best revealed in the finer brushstrokes of the action, however. While expository moments come thick and fast, they're deftly handled, and transitions between scenes, often in faded light, are touching and vibrant even in their softness.

Both leading men, Speer and Draxl, deliver everything the audience could ask for. Their crispness and vivaciousness match the ludicrously technicolour foundation of the performance. Simon Burke shows us why he’s a household name. He has a sensitivity that astounds - with a single glance he's able to communicate emotion that the audience feels in their very marrow. 

Brenda Strong (Jessica Di Costa) and Paula Abagnale (Penny Martin) are the sanctuary that these men run to or from. Their performances are full and wonderful, though the musical gives the male roles a much greater focus. From the ensemble, Erica Stubbs needs a mention for providing glitz, glamour and punchy dance moments. The choreography, in general, ticks every box and inspires hoots and hollers throughout. The band as well - Amanda Jenkins (bass), Tom Mcracken (drums), Michael Napoli (guitar), and Abi McCunn (reed) - give such great spark to the show.

Catch Me If You Can is a rare treat.