The 5th Avenue Theatre started off their season with the world premiere, pre broadway engagement of the musical "Catch Me If You Can" based on the Tom Hanks and Leonardo DiCaprio film. And as one who has been very vocally against the trend of turning movies into musicals, I have to back pedal on that a bit and admit that when it's done well, it can be an amazing experience. And this show is the closest thing to a perfect new show that I've seen in awhile.
The show (based on a true story) follows the life of Frank Abignale, Jr. (played by Aaron Tveit), a 17 year old who runs away and begins an incredible career of check forgery and deception in the 1960's. During his career he ends up posing as a doctor, a lawyer and a Pan-Am Pilot mostly in his pursuit to live the good life, impress his Father (played by Tom Wopat) and, of course, meet women. Frank is pursued during his spree by hapless FBI Agent Carl Hanratty (played by Norbert Leo Butz). And the chase begins. And what a chase it is!
The show, written by Broadway geniuses Terrence McNally (Author of "Love! Valour! Compassion!" and book writer for shows such as "Ragtime" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman") and Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman (Composer and Lyricist for "Hairspray" and "Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me") grabs the audience right from the start and places them right in the palm of it's hand. Right from the opening number, "Live in Living Color!" your know you are in for one hell of a show. In fact the energy from this number felt more like a finale (reminiscent of Hairspray's "You Can't Stop the Beat") but it was just a taste of even more joy to come. And that joy is brilliantly punctuated by outstanding choreography from Broadway veteran Jerry Mitchell and amazing set and lighting designs by David Rockwell and Kenneth Posner. Add into this costumes by the legendary Bob Mackie and flawless direction from Jack O'Brien and you complete what I consider to be the musical theater creative Dream Team.
But that's only part of the Dream Team. We cannot forget the actors. And in speaking about the actors, let's see how many times I can use the phrase "Steals the show". Tveit with the mischievous twinkle in his eye that you can see from the balcony and Butz with his weary, never say die spirit drive the story along at a breakneck pace and are comedy powerhouses. Not to mention incredible singers and dancers. Both of them are true triple threats. Especially Butz who not only steals the show with his FBI agent kick line (you heard me) but also practically disappears into the role of Hanratty. Norbert can dust off his shelf for another Tony now.
But we don't stop there. Wopat as the Father with grand designs but little luck brings so much heart and talent to the role that you're saddened every time he leaves stage. And his duets with Frank Jr. and Hanratty both (say it with me now) steal the show. Kerry Butler as Frank Jr.'s girlfriend Brenda is her usual charming and wonderful self. I was a little afraid she was going to be underused as her character doesn't really show up until Act II but then she makes up for the lack of stage time with her show stealing number "Fly, Fly Away". Her parents (hilariously played by Linda Hart and Nick Wyman) have only one number where they get to shine but shine they do and steal the show. And I must mention Rachel de Benedet as Frank's Mother, Paula and Felicia Finley as Cheryl Ann who each have their own show stealers as well and they both completely deserve them. Surround these folks with one of the best ensembles around and you have GOLD!
