Review: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN - Georgetown Palace Crew Soars

The fascinating autobiography CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, by Frank Abagnale, Jr., first made into a movie starring Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio is now a musical adventure. Debuting on Broadway in 2011 to mixed reviews. As a character study the story is engrossing, but as the basis for a musical, it's problematic. While it has some great moments of comedy with a touch of drama and lots of jazzy 60's music, there are certainly better crafted musicals around.

The musical's book, by Terrence McNally follows the story of Abagnale, Jr. (Hal Roberts) as he cons his way from being a bright teen in New York to pretending he is an an airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. While the tale is compelling, it's the music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman that fails to follow through in giving the show a thread that ties it together. The result is some great dance numbers and some really great singing, but nothing truly memorable. Through no fault of the Palace cast or crew the show itself doesn't really feel up to their talent level.

Director Ron Watson has put together a technically perfect show, every number precise, every set change smooth and well oiled. His staging is beautiful and he gets Great Performances out of his truly stellar cast. Hal Roberts as Abagnale, Jr. is charming and engaging. His comic timing is great and his singing beautiful. I also very much enjoyed excellent performances by Wendy Zavaleta and Bob Beare as Frank's parents, Paula and Frank Sr. As Brenda Strong, Frank's fiancé, Kelsey Woodridge is sweet, but not overplayed and Jennifer Tucker as Carol Strong is a pure delight. The ensemble chorus for the show is outstanding, including top Palace regulars Buddy Novak, Katya Welch, Nancy Penner, Ismael Soto, Larieta Armstrong, Daniel Ponce and Samantha Watson, among others, to show off Courtney Wissinger Eiland's excellent choreography. But the true highlight of the performance is Faith Castaneda's inspired light design. I've seen Castaneda's beautiful work many times but this light show is her masterpiece. Her use of color and brilliant timing gives the show snap and sparkle. I only wish I could say the same about Marissa Markley's costume design, though the colors and style are fine, fitting and detail were sadly lacking giving a sloppy feel instead of the sharp look the show requires. In fact I could see multiple old hem creases from my seat at the center of the house. Costumes aside, the show is entertaining and well presented. While the script may be lacking the talent on stage is not.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Book by Terrence McNally, Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman

Directed by Ron Watson

The Georgetown Palace Theatre

March 8 - April 7

Running Time: 2.5 hours with one 15 minute intermission

Tickets: $32.00 - $15.00 georgetownpalace.com