Based on the Dreamworks motion picture, the stage musical Catch Me If You Can with book by Terrence McNally, music by Marc Shaiman, with lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, is now onstage at The Colony Theatre in Burbank through October 18. Directed by Michael Donovan with energetic choreography by Natalie Iscovich and musical direction by Brent Canyon, the musical captures the astonishing true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a world-class con artist who passed himself off as a doctor, a lawyer, and a jet pilot – all before the age of 21, with straight-arrow FBI agent Carl Hanratty hot on his trail.
Taking on the electrifying and demanding leading role is Blake Jenner, a remarkably versatile talent of stage and screen, perhaps best known for his compelling performances in projects like Glee, What/If, and Richard Linklater’s Everybody Wants Some!! After seeing the production, I asked Blake about the grueling physical demands of the show, digging past Frank’s many masks to find his authentic core, and what it’s like bringing this sleek, retro spectacle to life onstage. (His answers in italics.)
Frank Abagnale, Jr. is a character who wears dozens of different “masks” throughout the show—from a pilot to a doctor to a lawyer. How do you approach keeping Frank’s authentic, vulnerable core visible to the audience while he is actively deceiving everyone on stage? “While Frank is actively conning everyone on stage, what’s wonderful about this show is that there are multiple moments where Frank speaks and emotes with the audience directly. It makes for a very interesting bridge to run back and forth on as an actor.”
At its heart, Catch Me If You Can is deeply rooted in Frank’s relationship with his father, Frank Sr., and his search for a father figure in Carl Hanratty. How have you and your amazing co-stars Kevin Bailey and Joe Abraham worked together to build those distinct, emotionally heavy dynamics? “Joe and Kevin are a couple of the most incredible actors I’ve gotten to work with. I feel like I learn something new every time I work with each of them. Luckily, everyone came into this process extremely open. Whether it’s been speaking about what’s on the page or diving into back stories, nothing has been off limits.”
Frank is incredibly young when he pulls off these massive cons. How do you tap into that teenage bravado balanced with the underlying terror of a kid who is running away from his broken home? “I think everyone can relate to things not going according to plan in life, especially within a family in some way shape or form. I think knowing what heartache feels like coupled with the amazing writing, music, and direction, you kind of have no choice but to empathize with someone running from something that doesn’t make sense to him anymore.”
Most audiences are incredibly familiar with Leonardo DiCaprio’s film portrayal or Aaron Tveit’s original Broadway performance. Did you deliberately look at those interpretations for inspiration, or did you try to completely isolate your creative process from them? “I watched the film quite a few times when I was younger and I absolutely loved it. I thought the acting was so incredible in that film. I also have gotten to see clips of Aaron’s original Broadway Performance as well. That was incredibly helpful to get a sense of the heartbeat/tempo of the show. Other than that, it’s been wonderful getting to put our own spin on this amazing story.”
Frank is a con man, yet he is the hero of the story that audiences actively root for. Why do you think people are so uniquely charmed by Frank Abagnale, Jr., even when they know he is breaking the law? “I think audiences root for Frank because at the end of the day, he’s a young man trying to find his place in the world the only way he was taught. I think he can’t bear a certain pain he feels at home, and he thinks he can rectify that by getting a huge piece of the world and bringing it back. When you’re young, you think everything has got a quick fix, and that everything can be mended with a simple apology. I think a lot of people miss those youthful rose-colored glasses; they understand where his heart is at.”
I certainly enjoyed everyone in the cast bringing such incredible energy and vitality to their roles! “I think everyone is in for a real treat with this show and team/cast. Everyone is just so talented and passionate, I truly think all the hard work and love that went into this show will be so palpable every step of the way for an audience member. I’ve loved every second of this experience!”
Frank and Hanratty’s cat-and-mouse game finally ends when Frank must choose whether to continue his chase for success, money and adventure or slow down, get married and raise a family after he meets and falls in love with nurse Brenda Strong (Gabbie Adner who shines singing her solo ballad “Fly, Fly Away”). And his choice leads Frank directly into Hanratty’s handcuffs, with Jenner and Abraham triumphantly ending the show by celebrating their “Strange But True” alliance as their long chase finally ends – and a new partnership begins!
Outstanding creative technical credits lift the entire production to astounding heights, including multi-level scenic design by Molly Cornell, awe-inspiring projection design by Gabrieal Griego, colorful lighting design by Luke Moyer, sound design by Robert Arturo Ramirez, costume design by Jennifer Lynn Deck, and properties design by John M. McElveney. Kudos to director Michael Donovan for his skill in casting actors perfectly to their roles and incorporating non-stop scene changes that kept the action flowing moment-to-moment, complemented by music director Brent Crayon’s brilliance conducting a rousing seven-piece orchestra and Natalie Iscovich’s 60s-inspired eclectic choreography – all combining into a joyous celebration of artistic wonder!
Catch Me If You Can continues on Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 .p.m and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. through October 18 only. General admission is $60 with STUDENT discount code at $25 in advance of $22 at box office day of only with student ID. Seniors use SENIOR code for $20 off?. ?Purchase online at www.colonytheatre.org. Any available seats will be sold at the box office prior to each show. But don’t wait since many performances will sell out in advance! For group sales discounts of 10 or more tickets, email bo*******@***********re.org.
The Colony Theatre is located at 555 N. Third Street (between Cypress and Magnolia) in Burbank, 91502. Free onsite parking is available in the adjacent parking lot. Just follow the signs for parking close to the theatre entrance.