Lindy RybloomPentacle Theatre presents Catch Me If You Can on stage August 14 through September 5.
The fast-paced musical is based on the hit film that follows the life of Frank Abagnale Jr., a notorious con artist known for stealing $2.5 million in forged checks. The show is part comedy, part drama with lively music, an energetic ensemble, and even a live band on stage.
Seeking fame and an abundance of money, Frank Abagnale Jr. abandons home to start a ridiculous adventure. He poses as an airline pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer, all before raising suspicion from the FBI. Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent credited with chasing the con artist across the country, is persistent in making Frank pay for his crimes.
This rendition of Catch Me If You Can is directed by Wendy Boyack, a seasoned director at Pentacle. Wendy graduated with a degree in musical theater direction and pursued teaching before taking on the role of director. In the process of putting this production together, Wendy has frequently drawn from her teaching experience and applied it to the life of the production’s lead character.
“This show addresses this idea of identity really well. As well as really just showing adults that we can make a difference in a young person’s life,” Wendy said.
To some, Frank’s life may just seem like a selfish attempt to get rich; to Wendy, it is a reminder to teach the younger generation to be good people, so they avoid the dangerous actions some take when they’re lonely or unsatisfied.
“I’m hoping that people walk away from here realizing that there’s always hope in being a mentor to somebody,” Wendy said.
Wendy sees Frank as a misunderstood character lacking a sense of closeness to his family. She feels for him.
“We can learn and grow by our interactions with other people. We are not in this alone. Yes, I believe in individuality, but no one exists alone,” Wendy said.
Catch Me If You Can is a lesson about humankind’s need for connection disguised as a musical. It’s a story that helps us understand the very nature of our world and relationships to those we are closest with.
Catch Me If You Can
Written by Terrence McNally, Marc Shaiman, and Scott Wittman
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug 14-15, 19-22, 26-29, Sept 2-5 and 2 p.m. Aug 16, 23, 29 and 30
Where: Pentacle Theatre, 324 52nd Ave NW
Click here for tickets.
Carlee Wright
