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.

Show Information

Music
Marc Shaiman
Category
Musical
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2011
Genres
Comedy, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Various settings in the United States, 1960’s.
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Heavy
Ideal For
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Frank Abagnale Jr.

Lead

Male

Tenor

Carl Hanratty

Lead

Male

Tenor

Frank Abagnale Sr.

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Paula Abagnale

Supporting

Female

Alto

Brenda Strong

Supporting

Female

Alto

Roger Strong

Supporting

Male

Baritone

Carol Strong

Supporting

Female

Alto

Agent Cod

Featured

Male

Agent Dollar

Featured

Male

Agent Branton

Featured

Male

Cheryl Ann

Featured

Female

Ensemble

Ensemble

Either Gender

Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, Bass

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.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    A showstopping song near the end of a musical, typically revealing a character's climax or transformation.

    A narrative song or poem often used in musical theatre and opera to convey story and emotion through melody.

    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.

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Guide Written By:

Emma Houlahan

Emma Houlahan

Canadian vocalist and actor now based in London.