BWW Reviews: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Music Theatre Wichita

Music Theatre Wichita continues its impressive summer with another show stopper. Catch Me If You Can, directed by MTW's own Wayne Bryan, is a slick little number with a host of unforgettable performances.

Catch Me If You Can features a book by Terrence McNally, music by Marc Shaiman and Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. Based on real life con-man Frank Abagnale Jr (played by Skyler Adams) and the FBI agent pursuing him, Carl Hanratty (played by Thom Sesma). A movie of the same name starring Leonardo DiCaprio inspired the 2011 Broadway production. The score is full of poignant lyrics and impressive melodies. The 60s era music and matching choreography by Linda Goodrich punctuate their otherwise lonely lives. The story is of their unlikely friendship- two tragic heroes unconventionally finding what they need in each other.

The sets by Robert Andrew Kovach and lights by David Neville were electric. They almost came alive as their own character to tell the story. Dixon Reynolds' costumes were bright and saucy, but the female ensemble in the baseball uniforms were oddly matched. There were several times the soloist couldn't be heard over the ensemble and the volume almost seemed muffled through most of the show.

"Don't Break the Rules" performed by Thom Sesma (as the passionate FBI agent Hanratty) and the company was a show stopper- literally. The audience was insistent upon an extended applause. This production number alone, with the spastic choreography and captivating performance, is worth the price of admission. Sesma and Adams (Frank Abagnale Jr) are perfectly matched. Their humanity and vulnerability made them endearing. They were complex characters that grew significantly as the story unfolded, showing a progressive set of character arcs. Another impressive performance came from Frank Abagnale Sr, played by David Hess. The role showcases the versatility of Hess, who played it with ease and tragic charm.

Catch Me If You Can is playing at Century II until Sunday July 27th. For Tickets or more information visit www.mtwichita.com

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