Catch Me If You Can: Review

Masquerading as a doctor, lawyer, and pilot, cashing over $2 million in fraudulent checks, and traveling the world in a jet set lifestyle typically reserved for the rich and famous  - Frank Abagnale Jr. was one of the most brilliant, charming, and cunning con men of the 20th century. What makes his story even more intriguing - it all began when he was a mere sixteen years old and took the FBI on a wild goose chase that lasted over five years! 

I am a fan of the Spielberg film “Catch Me If You Can,’’ based on the real-life story of Frank Abagnale Jr. The plot is full of comedy, twists and turns, and yet is poignant and endearing as well. A teen from a broken family, running away to survive in the world and discovering that he had talent - he could do something well - he could impersonate any profession and replicate a number of legal documents including checks, diplomas, and contracts tricking banks across the world out of millions of dollars. Using his talent to his advantage, he began a life of crime unlike any other - with the FBI spending years to track him down, frantically searching for the mastermind - unaware for years that the mastermind was a boy.

The lifestyle appears to be glamorous, footloose and fancy free - and yet Frank knew that if he stayed in any one place too long he would be caught. He knew if he told the truth to any one person he would be caught. And he was lonely - very lonely, and wanting a real life, a real family, and true love - the true riches of life were not within his grasp as long as he was a criminal.

Catch Me If You Can

• June 11 - 16 at 8 p.m. Buy Tickets online
• Starlight Theatre. Driving directions to Starlight Theatre and Parking Information for Starlight.

Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned. The second mouse, wouldn't quit. He struggled so hard that eventually he churned that cream into butter and crawled out. Gentlemen, as of this moment, I am that second mouse. ~ Frank Abagnale Sr.

A truly great crime mystery full of humor and heart - I walked into Starlight Theatre last night trying to imagine the tale as a musical. How would it hold up? Would it maintain the suspense and drama of the true story or venture too far into the world of camp? Would the era - the classic colors, costumes, and sets of the 60s that made the film so striking - remain a centerpiece of the stage production? 

The stage opens with the classic good guy bad guy chase scene as Frank Abagnale Jr (played by Stephen Anthony) is apprehended by FBI agent Carl Hanratty (played by Merritt David Janes). Abagnale bursts out into song telling Hanratty the tale of his crime and ultimate capture using a 60′s style TV variety show titled: “The Frank Abagnale, Jr. Show” to sing and dance his way through the events of his life.

The stage is full of vibrant 60s colors with a digital screen backdrop used to change scenes with sleek images and photography. Frank is joined by a chorus of leggy dance girls and they sashay their way from scene to scene dancing to the jazz numbers played by the onstage orchestra. The orchestra becomes a fixture of the show setting the tone and changing the scenes with fabulous big band brass music that is as over-the-top as the story itself.  I loved the swinging-sixties score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (of Hairspray fame) and the solos throughout the show were terrific!

Throughout the show number after number was met with resounding applause from the audience and several of the shows biggest and best numbers received shouts of "Bravo!" from the delighted fans! I enjoyed the entire score, but favorite songs included:

• "The Pinstripes are all that they See" a song that set up the story perfectly performed by Frank Sr and Frank Jr (Dominic Fortuna and Stephen Anthony)
• "The Man Inside the Clues" an incredible solo sung by Carl Hanratty (Merritt David Janes)
• "Seven Wonders" - a beautiful and hysterical love ballad, if you believe love ballads can be both romantic and comical at the same time - performed by Frank (Stephen Anthony) and his girlfriend Brenda (Aubrey Mae Davis)
• "Fly, Fly Away" an outstanding soprano solo by Brenda (Aubrey Mae Davis) - one of the absolute audience favorites
• and, the finale piece, "Good-Bye" performed by the star of the show, Stephen Anthony.

The bottom line: As a fan of jazz, swing, big band, big orchestra music - I loved the music in the show. The choreography was glitzy and totally sixties. The caper.... this is where the show could improve. The film left you guessing at every new twist and turn - what was he going to come up with next? The musical - left little guesswork with dialogue and songs leaving nothing to the imagination. But, that may be deliberate - is this a caper to be solved or an autobiographical tale to be told outright? As a fun-filled madcap autobiography, it works.

Tips for Starlight Theatre:

• Keep Hydrated and cool: You may bring 1 sealed bottle of water per guest into the theater. Complimentary water stations are located at the North and East Guest Relations. Water misters are placed throughout the theater for guest convenience. And, Starlight has drinking fountains throughout the theater. You may also want to bring a fan too keep cool.
• Determining if your child should see the show: From Starlight,"Although Catch Me If You Can is not a classic “family show,” there is nothing objectionable in the script and songs, and the musical’s peppy vibe will appeal to school-age kids. The lead character participates in some morally objectionable acts including fraud and forgery. The show contains some sexual situations." The show begins at 8pm and runs for 2 hours and 15 minutes.  Kristina's notes as a mom, "The show did use foul language numerous times including one use of f***. The costumes of the female dancers were very short skirts and shorts and tight tops. Sexual situations are implied, but not played out. Keep these facts in mind when determining if your child should see the show. It's a fun date night for parents or gal pals."
• Booster seats: A limited supply of complimentary booster seats is available at our Ovation gift store. Please drop your booster seat off at any gate, Guest relations table or return it to the Ovation gift store after the show.
• Preshow Tours: Arrive early and get a free, behind-the-scenes look at Starlight and learn about Starlight’s rich history in Kansas City. Tours begin before each performance at three convenient times: 6:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Patrons interested in touring Starlight Theatre should report to the top of the theater behind Terrace Section 1 to begin their facility tours. 
• Interpreted Performances: Saturday performances at Starlight Theatre are described for the blind and visually impaired by Kansas Audio-Reader Network. Devices for this service are available at the Audio-Reader table behind Terrace Section 2. Sunday performances at Starlight Theatre are interpreted for the deaf and hard-of-hearing. Two interpreters are positioned on stage, house right. Patrons can view the interpreters from sections 4 and 6 of the Orchestra and Plaza sections. Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons may purchase tickets by calling the Kansas Relay Center at 800.766.3777 or Relay Missouri at 800.735.2966. 
• Assisted listening devices: Assisted listening devices are available free of charge for every performance. Visit the Ovation gift store and leave your driver's license in exchange for one of the listening devices. Following the performance, please return the device to the store and pick up your ID.
• Courtesy shuttles: This summer six-passenger shuttles patrol the main parking areas, providing assistance for those who most need it.
• Wheelchair assistance: Wheelchair assistance is available from all gates to the guest's seating location and back to the gate point after the show.
• Emergencies: An EMT is on Starlight premises for all events and can be reached by radio through any of the contacts noted above. 
• Preshow Dining: A delicious dinner buffet is offered before the show. Learn more about preshow dining.