Catch Me If You Can 

Opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on April 10, 2011.

Adapted from the Steven Spielberg movie of the same name. Mr Spielberg said, "I didn't immortalize Frank Abagnale on film because of what he did 40 years ago as a teenager. I chose to immortalize him on film because of what he's done for his country for more than 30 years".

To quote Wikepedia Frank Abagnale Jr. became nortorious in the 60's for passing 2.5 million worth of meticulously forged checks across 26 countries over the course of five years beginning when he was sixteen years old. He assumed no fewer than eight seperate identities. Some were a doctor, pilot and lawyer.

The music and lyrics were created by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman. The pair won a Tony, Grammy and Olivier for their score in Hairspray.

The musical opens with Frank Abagnale Jr. (Aaron Tveit) being caught by Carl Harratty (Norbet Leo Butz) and his FBI crew at a Florida airport. Frank turns to the agent and says you can't take me away they (audience) wants to know why your arresting me. The rest of the musical touches base with his parents and his different scams check forgeing, being a piolet, doctor and lawyer.

Some scences work wel. The l most remarkable were the ones with Agent Carl. Norbert was excellent in the role.

Frank Abangale Sr. (Tom Wopac) and agent carl meet a a bar. It was a very touching scene. Toms voice rings out and touches your heart.

Frank Jr. when he a doctor falls in love with nurse Brenda Strong (Kerry Butler). She has a solo scence where she crys her heart out after she learns who he truly is. Wow you feel for her, she puts her whole soul into the song.

The rest of the show is just fluff. Some dance routines were not pleasent to watch . In some cases it seemed awkward. The best dance routine was when Frank's mother Paula (Rachel de Benedet) dances. She is so graceful.

Brenda Stones parents Roger (Nick Wyman) and Carol (Linda Hart) are comical in their small roles.

Aaron best number is at the end. This song shows what a great voice he has.

At the end Frank gets caught, does his time, then gets to work for the FBI. In real life Frank got six months in Swedish prision and was sentenced to twelve years in the United States. Of which he served four. He formed his on company Abagnale & Assoc security consultants. He worked for the FBI.

How weird is that you do a crime, do the time and benefit by it when you get out.

Review by Rozanna Radakovich.

Photos by Annazor