#1
Posted: 6/10/09 at 1:11am
I just got back from a little spotlight on the new musical Catch Me If You Can in Seattle. Marc Shaiman, Scott Wittman, Terrence McNally, Jack O'Brien,Jerry Mitchell John McDanieland, and even Bob Mackie were on hand to talk about the production.
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about yet another recent movie turned musical, but then Marc started describing the story being told as a 60s tv extravaganza with big production numbers, etc. I was easily convinced that the concept was going to work. Only hint we got of any visuals were a few Bob Mackie designs of the pilots, fight attendants, opening number costumes - and did they look - um ... FIERCE (for lack of a better term). They seemed really excited about the whole thing. Genuinely so, not just to get press.
Shaiman and Wittman mentioned that the score is very diverse going from 60s big band to crooner to country to 60s rock etc. Then Marc Shaiman got behind the piano. He talked with Scott about how fun it was (and frantic) to write the closing number to the Tony's this year - All the while saying, "Liza, get out of the way!"
Tom Wopat (who will play Frank Abagnail Sr.) came out and performed a number. Excellent song and Tom nailed it.
Aaron Tveit then came out and did a number that brought tears to my eyes. I can't recall the title, but it was about traveling the world and seeing everything, but nothing could compare to the love at home (a love song that isn't overly sentimental, yet gets you where it counts)
Norbert Leo Butz then comes out and does a great number too (he'll be amazing in his role)
The creative team talk some more and then Aaron Tveit comes out again and does another number. A complete show stopper! WOW!!! (Again brought me to tears). Those who've seen NTN know how talented he is. I wish I had been able to see that show before he left.
Then they wrapped it up with one more song, a duet between father and son (Wopat and Tveit).
The concept sounds great, but even more compelling were the music and lyrics. If they get it together, this is going to be a fantastic show. I can't wait to see this out of town (in my town) try out! No word of a Broadway date, but it certainly looks like that's where they're headed with this one.
I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about yet another recent movie turned musical, but then Marc started describing the story being told as a 60s tv extravaganza with big production numbers, etc. I was easily convinced that the concept was going to work. Only hint we got of any visuals were a few Bob Mackie designs of the pilots, fight attendants, opening number costumes - and did they look - um ... FIERCE (for lack of a better term). They seemed really excited about the whole thing. Genuinely so, not just to get press.
Shaiman and Wittman mentioned that the score is very diverse going from 60s big band to crooner to country to 60s rock etc. Then Marc Shaiman got behind the piano. He talked with Scott about how fun it was (and frantic) to write the closing number to the Tony's this year - All the while saying, "Liza, get out of the way!"
Tom Wopat (who will play Frank Abagnail Sr.) came out and performed a number. Excellent song and Tom nailed it.
Aaron Tveit then came out and did a number that brought tears to my eyes. I can't recall the title, but it was about traveling the world and seeing everything, but nothing could compare to the love at home (a love song that isn't overly sentimental, yet gets you where it counts)
Norbert Leo Butz then comes out and does a great number too (he'll be amazing in his role)
The creative team talk some more and then Aaron Tveit comes out again and does another number. A complete show stopper! WOW!!! (Again brought me to tears). Those who've seen NTN know how talented he is. I wish I had been able to see that show before he left.
Then they wrapped it up with one more song, a duet between father and son (Wopat and Tveit).
The concept sounds great, but even more compelling were the music and lyrics. If they get it together, this is going to be a fantastic show. I can't wait to see this out of town (in my town) try out! No word of a Broadway date, but it certainly looks like that's where they're headed with this one.
