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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Catch Me If You Can Also see Gil's review of The Prom
Based on the autobiographical book and movie of the same, and from the creators of the musical Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can is set in the swinging sixties and tells the true tale of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a young man who runs away from home after his parents separate with only his imagination, a checkbook filled with fifty blank checks, and a whole lot of charm. At first, Frank forges checks, then turns his ability to deceive others into passing himself off as a pilot for Pan American World Airways. He wants to escape his past and be someone else, and finds that living a glamorous jet-set life takes away the pain of his previous life. However, things escalate quickly, with Frank always on the run from the FBI and the agent out to get him, Carl Hanratty. The score and theme of the show perfectly evoke the period and style of the 1960s. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's score features many upbeat and catchy songs and are character specific or drive the plot forward. Terrence McNally's book does a good job hitting the important turning points in Frank's life and in depicting the relationship between Frank and Carl, as well as how Frank looks up to his parents, especially his father. While some liberties are taken with the facts of Frank's life, many of the key elements in the script actually happened. Director Cambrian James does a wonderful job in not only keeping the show moving at a quick pace but in ensuring the actors bring emotional weight to their roles while also instilling a wonderful 1960s sensibility in the actors' portrayals and in his wonderful choreography. The '60s styles are carried over into all of the creative elements as well, including McKenna Carpenter's scenic design that features gorgeous period designs on the stage floor and walls surrounding the audience along with cutout arrows that light up and resemble those on the movie poster and used in the opening credits of the film. Brielle Hawkes' costumes and James' hair and make up are steeped in the 1960s and the lighting by Bret Reese uses a range of colors and shadows to highlight the action and bring emotion to many scenes. Music director Cathy Hauan derives warm vocals from the entire cast and Adam Chagnon's sound design ensures every note is heard clearly. At the performance I attended, understudy Joshua Ransford played Frank (in place of William Bryan Buhler) and Austin Delp was Hanratty. They both excel in their roles. Ransford has the perfect blend of youthful innocence and enthusiasm. His clear, powerful singing voice soars on his many songs and the charisma he brings to Frank instantly makes him a likable young man, even though he's a crook. Delp is fantastic as Hanratty. He gives weight and a nice emotional depth to the role of this overworked and somewhat lonely man with powerful singing, especially in the big ensemble number he leads, "Don't Break the Rules," turning that number into a showstopper. Tyler Brignone is excellent as Frank's father with a rich singing voice that shines and a lovely connection to Ransford. As Brenda, the girl Frank falls in love with, Brianna McClure is lovely; her delivery of the gorgeous ballad "Fly, Fly Away" soars. Rochelle Barton is charming as Frank's mother, and Alice Johnson and Adam Guinn play an assortment of adult characters, including Brenda's parents, bringing pops of humor throughout. Declan Skaggs, Joseph Strode, and Truman Regard instill a sense of levity to a few scenes as Hanratty's fellow FBI agents while the ensemble excel as an assortment of characters. With excellent performances, wonderful creative elements, and crisp direction, Catch Me If You Can at Hale Centre Theatre is a thoroughly enjoyable production and proves that, even if a show didn't have a long Broadway run, it can still make for a rewarding theatrical treat. Catch Me If You Can runs through October 3, 2026, at Hale Centre Theatre, 50 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.haletheatrearizona.com or call 480-497-1181. Producers and Casting Directors: David and Corrin Dietlein Cast: |
