BWW Reviews: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is a Glossy Premiere with Substance

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley is a slick, joyful production with heart. When its glossy veneer opens up to reveal the substance beneath, it is truly show-stopping.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (book by Terrence McNally, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman), like the well-known movie on which it is based, tells the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr.--a teenage con man who steals millions of dollars while masquerading as an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer. He seemingly has everything he could want, but his true desire for family and home keeps slipping through his grasp.

Andrew Robertson as Frank Abagnale, Jr. (double cast with Keith Evans) is a fresh-faced, likeable leading man who wears his heart on his sleeve. His voice is clear and strong, and occasionally it is remarkably similar to the untouchable vocal quality of Aaron Tveit, who originated the role on Broadway. However, his vocals are inconsistent, with vocal break and pitch issues sprinkled throughout the reviewed performance.

Two of Hale Centre Theatre's most celebrated directors moved to the other side of the curtain for this show and proved that "those who can't do, teach" is a misnomer.

David Tinney (who directed the delightfully realized TARZAN last season) is incredibly strong as FBI agent Carl Hanratty (double cast with Kelly Dehaan). He plays a great balance between curmudgeonly and caring in his interactions with Frank, Jr.

John Sweeney (who directed the theatre's monumental achievement A TALE OF TWO CITIES) is also very good in his role as Frank Abagnale, Sr. (double cast with Douglas Irey).

The director of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, Chris Clark, is not out of place in this company, as this production is Hale Centre Theatre's best-directed of the season. It boasts a simple, clear concept that elucidates the underlying emotions of the characters, all while having a whole lot of fun.

Set designer and technical director Kacey Udy, in tandem with lighting designer Adam Flitton, have produced an unassuming but often wondrous environment that infuses the production with a mod sheen. The complementary sound design by Shane Steel and Dan Morgan is also noteworthy.

The costume design by Tamara Baker and choreography by performer Jennifer Barlow add the right touches of class and whimsy as they immerse the audience in the world of the 1960s and its television variety specials.

Both ebullient and poignant, this regional premiere is certainly not to be missed.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN plays through November 29, 2014. For tickets, call the box office at 801-984-9000 or visit www.halecentretheatre.org.

Photo Credit: L-R David Tinney (Carl Hanratty) and Andrew Robertson (Frank Abagnale, Jr.)

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