CATCH ME IF YOU CAN Reviews

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 1:09am

Today is Sunday, April 10, marking the official opening night performance of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, the new musical by Hairspray songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and playwright Terrence McNally at the Neil Simon Theatre. Director Jack O'Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell helm the production. Set within the frame of a 1960's television variety show, the tuner began previews March 11.

Aaron Tveit stars as the suave, young con artist Frank Abagnale, who finagles his way to becoming an airline pilot, lawyer and doctor, and journeys across the world in search of fortune and adventure, all while eluding the FBI. Even the Feds ultimately fall for his charms. Joining Tveit is Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz, starring as FBI Fraud Agent Carl Hanratty who pursues Abagnale, Jr. and ultimately becomes a sort of father figure to the young fugitive.

The cast also features Tom Wopat as Frank Sr., Kerry Butler as Brenda, Rachel De Benedet as Paula Abagnale, Linda Hart as Carol Strong and Nick Wyman as Roger Strong.

The Catch Me If You Can ensemble includes Joe Cassidy, Timothy McCuen Piggee, Brandon Wardell, Sara Andreas, Alex Ellis, Will Erat, Jennifer Frankel, Lisa Gajda, Bob Gaynor, Kearran Giovanni, Nick Kenkel, Grasan Kingsberry, Michael X. Martin, Aleks Pevec, Kristin Piro, Rachelle Rak, Joe Aaron Reid, Angie Schworer, Sabrina Sloan, Sarrah Strimel, Charlie Sutton, Katie Webber and Candice Marie Woods.

Catch Me If You Can, according to production notes, "captures the astonishing true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a world-class con artist who passed himself off as a doctor, a lawyer, and a jet pilot — all before the age of 21. With straight-arrow FBI agent Carl Hanratty on Frank's trail, we're off on a jet-setting, cat-and-mouse chase, as a jazzy, swinging-sixties score keeps this adventure in constant motion. In the end, Agent Hanratty learns he and Frank aren't so very different after all, and Frank finds out what happens when love catches up to a man on the run."

Best to all involved!

- M

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 1:11am

I'm eager to see how the reviews shape up, especially with the mixed reception here.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 1:13am

I, too, am very curious, but hope for the best, especially for Aaron's terrific performance.

[ReggieonBway]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 11:47am

I'm pumped :) I'm betting on mixed reviews, but the one that matters is the NY Times review, so we'll see what happens there.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 12:27pm

I loved this musical more than any other original musical in years, and I think the performances are dazzling and the production is state-of-the-art.

[kyl3fong2]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 1:21pm

Crossing my fingers for good reviews for this show! Best of luck to the cast and crew!

[sabrelady]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 1:37pm

Best to the cast, crew & creative team. Hope it all works and the critics are pleased.

[scott68]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 2:02pm

I wish them luck, though (unfortunately) I think they may really need it.

[hockeynut2]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 4:15pm

I saw the show last night and loved it. The whole cast sparkles and the score is wonderful. Keeping my fingers crossed. Break a bounced check!

[SonofMammaMiaSam]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 6:16pm

I saw it yesterday. Anyone who doesn't LOVE this show is a TWIT! Carry on.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 6:42pm

Reviews should start pouring in in the next hour or so. Good luck to all involved. (Why do I have this sad feeling that if Brantley reviews he's going to be BRUTAL on this show , sure hope I'm wrong!)

[wendilin622]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 6:51pm

Not like this totally counts, but Word of Mouth is up:

http://www.broadway.com/shows/catch-me-if-you-can/video/153486/word-of-mouth-review-catch-me-if-you-can/

They all loved it.

[singer73192]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 6:59pm

^ Brantley is definitely reviewing as I saw him at the show last night. He seemed to enjoy himself, but I suppose you cannot really judge by facial expressions.... I think reviews will be mixed, with positive notices for Tveit.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 7:00pm

Hahah thanks Singer - love that kind of "behind the scenes" info.!

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 7:22pm

Oh...AMNY (one of the fairly legitimate reviewers) is basically a slam. It gives it two stars, but follows up with this...
"But in spite of so much promise, "Catch Me If You Can" is so disappointing that it will leave you wishing you could travel back in time and watch "Hairspray" again."
It does have some (backhanded) praise for Tveit though.
http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/theater-review-catch-me-if-you-can-2-stars-1.2811110

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 7:29pm

Wishing everyone involved with this show a GREAT opening!


I saw it yesterday, and can't remember when I've loved a show so much!
I loved the device of putting on a 'show' to tell the story, and was immediately grabbed by the music. The production caught that era perfectly - loved the orchestra on stage.

Norbert Leo Butz was BRILLIANT. Every single subtle gesture brought his character to life. He was flawless.

Aaron Tveit has TALENT! Acting, singing, dancing - he brings the show to life, and connects with the audience in a way that brings us along on for a journey we don't want to end. He was PERFECT.

Between the two of them... can you say Tony Award?

Tom Wopat has such magical stage presence. Loved him in this.

I can't remember the last time I went to an Original musical and walked out humming songs I'd never heard before, but absolutely loved. I can't wait for the CD so I can hear these gems again.

I just bought my niece tickets for this, and I plan to return. Hopefully a couple of times.

Loved it. Loved every toe-tapping minute of it.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 7:30pm

As SOMMS said: Anyone who doesn't love this show is a TWIT.
(said in good fun...)

That goes for reviewers, too.

Updated On: 4/10/11 at 07:30 PM

[Q]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 7:37pm

"The production caught that era perfectly"

I wonder to what extent having an awareness of that era helps in the enjoyment of the show.

[kidbroadway2]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 7:58pm

Word of Mouth is like the Paula Abdul of judging.

[ReggieonBway]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 8:01pm

I actually really enjoy the Word of Mouth panels - you can learn a lot about how the general audience feels toward a show by watching them.

[broadwaydevil]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 8:03pm

Reggie - Aren't the people hand-picked out of many interviews, their statements somewhat scripted, and completely edited? It doesn't seem like it's a real good sample to me. Not saying their not enjoyable - I just doubt it's a good representation.

Updated On: 4/10/11 at 08:03 PM

[BwayTday]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 8:04pm

This and Hairspray are two different types of shows. Wanting Hairspray 2 because of the creative team and comparing the two is foolish.

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 8:10pm

I've been looking foreward to this happening since I saw on a 20/20 show that the film would be turning into a musical. Plus, this is such an amzing cast: Aaron Tveit, Norbert Leo Butz, and Tom Wopat.

[NYadgal]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 8:12pm

Q, I have no doubt that it brings a personal connection to those of us who were part of, or familiar with, that era.

But... people often enjoy shows set in periods they have no personal knowledge of.

Still, I DO agree it adds a special sparkle for those of us who 'get it'.

Updated On: 4/10/11 at 08:12 PM

[Harpz2006]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 8:24pm

Chicago Tribune is mixed-negative.

"The piece certainly has its enjoyments: Tveit has an extraordinarily beautiful voice; Butz's craftful, big-hearted and wholly unpredictable acting is frequently fascinating to watch (his character emerges as the most powerfully wrought); Tom Wopat, as Frank's real father, has an interesting sadness; and the show, which features a set by David Rockwell, has a certain visual pop, even though the design is surely hampered by all those on-stage musicians. But "Catch Me," alas, didn't fully catch me. Frank slipped off into the night, and I don't feel as if I found him."

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/the_theater_loop/2011/04/catch-me-if-you-can-on-broadway-adaptation-couldve-stuck-more-closely-to-the-script.html
Updated On: 4/10/11 at 08:24 PM