Overview
Synopsis
Based on the unbelievable true story of one of the most famous con artists in history, Frank Abagnale Jr., Catch Me If You Can is a rousing musical set in the 1960s. We begin as Frank is captured by Agent Carl Hanratty, after years of pursuit. Frank, however, thinks the audience deserves to hear his version of the truth, and narrates his life as a hip, dance-heavy variety television show. We see Frank, as a teenager, run away from his unhappy home to live a life of great adventure, conning people by assuming a multitude of identities: airplane pilot, doctor, and lawyer, to name a few. A fast, rollicking musical by the creative team behind Hairspray, Catch Me If You Can tells the tale of an ingenious, yet lonely, boy looking for his place in the world.
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Context
Catch Me If You Can is a musical comedy based on the 1980 autobiography life of con man Frank Abagnale Jr., and the 2002 film of the same name. The musical had its first reading in 2005, with a private workshop following in 2007 with director Jack O’Brien and actors such as Nathan Lane, Christian Borle, Aaron Tveit, Norbert Leo Butz, and Celia Kennan-Bolger attached to the project. The show went on to have a tryout in Seattle at the 5th Avenue Theatre. The first few days of the previews were
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ACT ONE
Set in the 1960s, teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. is cornered at Miami International Airport by FBI Agent Carl Hanratty and his team. Hanratty warns Frank that there's no point in running, but Frank pleads for a moment to explain why everyone is chasing him. Hanratty, more interested in how Frank managed to pass the bar exam in New Orleans to pose as a lawyer, is reluctant. Frank offers to reveal all his secrets if he's allowed to tell his story (“Live in Living Color”).
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Character Portrayals
See StageAgent members who have performed roles in Catch Me If You Can.
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Songs
Act One
- *Live in Living Color- Frank Jr. and Company
- The Pinstripes Are All That They See- Frank Sr., Frank Jr., and *Ladies
- Someone Else’s Skin- Frank Jr. and Company
- *Jet Set- Frank Jr. and Company
- Live in Living Color (Reprise)- Frank Jr. and Ensemble
- *Don’t Break the Rules- Carl Hanratty and Ensemble
- The Pinstripes Are All That They See (Reprise)- Ensemble
- *Butta Outta Cream- Frank Jr., Frank Sr., *Ensemble
- The Man Inside the Clues- Carl Hanratty
- Christmas is My Favorite Time of Year- Carl Hanratty, Frank Jr., Frank Sr., and Paula
Act Two
- *Doctor’s Orders- Ensemble
- Live in Living Color (Reprise)- Frank Jr.
- Don’t Be a Stranger- Paula, Frank Sr.
- Little Boy Be a Man- Frank Sr., Carl Hanratty
- Seven Wonders- Frank Jr., Brenda
- *(Our) Family Tree- Carol, Roger, Brenda, Frank Jr. and Ensemble
- Fly, Fly Away- Brenda
- Goodbye- Frank Jr.
- Strange But True- Frank Jr., Carl Hanratty
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Key Terms
An 11 o’clock number is a show-stopping song that appears late in a musical, usually near the climax. It is often performed by the lead character and delivers a surge of emotional or dramatic power. The number reenergizes the audience and sets up the finale.
A ballad is a song style that tells a story through simple, lyrical verses and a steady rhythm. In theatre, ballads are often slow and emotional, allowing characters to reveal deep feelings or reflect on personal journeys. They can be used to highlight romance, longing, or moments of dramatic intensity.
A powerful, resonant singing technique used in musical theatre to project high notes with chest voice.
A person who cheats or tricks others by persuading them to believe something that is not true.
The imaginary wall separating the audience from the actors onstage, often 'broken' for direct address. This term plays a vital role in understanding theatrical structure and is commonly encountered in stagecraft or performance settings.
Spoken commentary that provides exposition or transitions within a play. Narration often bridges scenes and guides audience understanding.
A character or voice that tells part of the story, offering commentary or background. Narrators are frequently used in children’s theatre and epic productions.
The main character of a play or story, typically the one whose journey or conflict drives the plot. The protagonist often experiences growth or change.
