CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Begins Tonight at USM

Frank Abagnale Jr. can be anything he dreams when he grows up... if he doesn't get caught first! The University of Southern Maine (USM) Department of Theatre and School of Music will present the Maine premiere of the musical "Catch Me If You Can," tonight, March 13-22, in Russell Hall on the USM Gorham campus.

"Catch Me If You Can" is based on an astonishing real-life story and the hit DreamWorks film starring Leonardo DiCaprio in the role of Frank Abagnale Jr. and Tom Hanks in the role of the crack FBI agent Carl Hanratty. The musical features book by Terrence McNally, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The USM production is directed by Wil Kilroy, USM professor of theatre; with musical direction by Edward Reichert, USM lecturer in musical theatre; and choreography by Vanessa Beyland, USM artist faculty in theatre. The production is sponsored by Drs. John and Elizabeth Serrage.

"Frank Abagnale Jr. was only a teenager when he began his successful careers as an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, without ever going to college!" said Kilroy. "The musical tells the story with upbeat music and energetic dance numbers, complete with high-kicking stewardesses, jazzy nurses and dancing doctors!"

In the musical, Frank Abagnale Jr. ditches suburban life for a high-class world of glitz and glamour -- and fake IDs, forged checks and a tail by the FBI! The world-class con artist successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, winning the hearts of women and the trust of men, all while playing a cat-and-mouse game with FBI agent Carl Hanratty. The fast-paced musical features a score of infectious, hard-driving jazz and glorious big-band sound by the dream team behind the Tony Award-winning musical, "Hairspray," and NBC's musical drama, "Smash."

Musical director Reichert will lead a band of 10 USM students and alumni, featuring Kellie Moody, USM School of Music alumnus, class of 2014, as the associate musical director.

Tickets
$21, general public; $15, seniors, USM employees and alumni; $10 students. The Wednesday, March 18, matinee offers all tickets for just $10. Call the USM Theatre Box Office at (207) 780-5151 or go to http://www.usm.maine.edu/theatre.

Cast List
Matthew West (Frank Abagnale Jr.)
Cameron Wright (Carl Hanratty)
Rachel Grindle (Brenda Strong)
Caleb Lacy (Frank Abagnale Sr.)
Meghan O'Brien (Paula Abagnale)
Emily Davis (Carol Strong)
Martin Bodenheimer (Roger Strong)
Savannah Irish (Cheryl Ann, Principal)
Cody Watson (FBI Agent Branton)
Gregory Judd (FBI Agent Cod)
Sean Arsenault (FBI Agent Dollar)
Eric Berry-Sandelin (Male Dance Ensemble)
Taylor Gervais (Male Dance Ensemble)
Robert Dall (Male Dance Ensemble)
Mike Jenkins (Male Dance Ensemble)
Caleb Streadwick (Male Dance Ensemble)
Owen Carten (Male Acting Ensemble)
Alexandra Sarnacchiaro (Female Dance Ensemble)
Jordan Holt (Female Dance Ensemble)
Michelle Oakland (Female Dance Ensemble)
Chloe Brumfield (Female Dance Ensemble)
Emily Grotz (Female Dance Ensemble)
Brianna Housman (Female Acting Ensemble)