Comments on Catch Me If You Can- Page 2

[zamedy]

Posted: 6/17/11 at 10:43pm

Ooooo.. boxers or briefs?!

[steven22]

Posted: 6/17/11 at 10:44pm

First swing was on tonight...Sara Andreas.

[vcaniglia591]

Posted: 6/17/11 at 10:53pm

I thought Catch Me If You Can was one of the most enjoyable shows I've seen on Broadway. I felt like I was in the audience of a variety show (like the Ed Sullivan show from the sixties). The entire company, especially Mr. Butz and Mr. Tveit, danced and sang with an enthusiasm that I had not seen since "In the Heights." The score is jazzy and lively, with numbers such as "Live in Living Color" and "Don't Brek the Rules" bringing down the house. Seriously, the applause lasted five minutes when those two numbers ended. Trust me when I say you'll both laugh and cry.
Go see it.

[perfectlymarvelous]

Posted: 6/17/11 at 11:10pm

I really enjoyed the show. No, it's not the best thing I've ever seen, but Aaron Tveit and Norbert Leo Butz are both really wonderful and I enjoyed the score quite a bit. The framing device felt a little bit awkward during previews, but they seem to have worked it out so that it's less awkward now and Aaron seems a lot more comfortable with it.

Go see it and make the call yourself...everyone's taste is different, you might love something everyone else hates or vice versa.

[Harpz2006]

Posted: 6/17/11 at 11:38pm

Who was Sara the swing on for? According to Jay Johnson's twitter, she had 2 minutes notice!!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/18/11 at 1:01am

I'm not at one of the extremes...but it left me unsatisfied. I'm a big fan of both of the leading men, as well as the production team. I was mostly bored, and felt that there was little heart in the story telling.

There is no doubt that the performers are giving it their all, but the show just doesn't come together. (My kids, 10 & 14 really liked it -- but didn't love it. Didn't break either of their top five favorite list. Possibly not even their top 10.)

[ajh]

Posted: 6/18/11 at 8:40am

mmFan...am so jealous!!

Saw Catch Me a few weeks ago and loved it. I know this was a strong season for musicals but was genuinely mystified why it didn't at least get Tony nominations for Best Score and Best Actor for Aaron Tveit.

Thrilled that NBL got the Best Actor Tony but Tveit is seriously underrated imho. Not only is he a genuine triple-threat but Frank Abagnale Jr could so easily come across as smug and repellent yet Tveit makes you root for him. Seeing it currently you also get to see what real "luxury casting" looks like. Tom Wopat and Rachel De Benedet are fabulous but I doubt recasting (if it runs) and the National Tour will attract performers of the calibre of Linda Hart and Kerry Butler (both gorgeous), although Butler's character's 11 o'clock number is one of, if not THE, best show ballads for years.....and she sends shivers down the spine and brings a tear to the eye when she sings it. Also, the female chorus is sensational, and features a number of ladies who have played B'way leads in the past.

The TV show format is fun and slick and if it doesn't allow for much emotional connection while you're watching, I personally found that the overall piece stayed with me a long time afterwards. Number after number tears the place apart, and the large onstage band is an added thrill.

I thought it was a worthy successor to Hairspray in that it has a similar sense of wacky comedy and exhilarating tunefulness, but is different enough in overall tone and execution to make comparison redundant (although I just did that....DOH!)

So...yep....thumbs up from me. A big one.

[Steve2]

Posted: 6/18/11 at 8:56am

mmFan, I think you made a good choice. I liked it more than most people here and the performances are top-notch! Enjoy

[quizking101]

Posted: 6/18/11 at 9:17am

I'm eager to snatch up tickets to this on TDF for my friend and I, but with these mixed reviews, I'm wondering if I should find another show for my friend and I to go to...

[mmFan]

Posted: 6/19/11 at 8:47pm

Thank you all for the respones. There are some good positive ones. Just watched the movie for the first time last night and am looking forward to seeing it.

PS - I did take a sneak peak at the music in itunes. It's old fashioned, right? (which makes sense as it takes plane in the 60s). I do prefer modern music and didn't find much I wanted to download, but think I'll still enjoy

[Patash]

Posted: 6/19/11 at 10:45pm

Luner, my opinion is that Aaron Tveit lacked the charisma needed for the role. Your opinion is that he didn't, but that's no reason to state your opinion as a fact while discrediting my opinion. That's all opinions are --opinions. Get it?

[Okayfine]

Posted: 6/19/11 at 11:57pm

Saw it this week. Meh. Very forgettable. Couldn't remember a single song as I left the theatre. The biggest problem for me, though, was that I DETESTED the lead character. I spent the whole time waiting for his capture & then hating the girl he falls in love with for her vapidness. Had hoped for more.

[jv92]

Posted: 6/20/11 at 12:06pm

I rather liked it. Since I'm categorizing The Scottsboro Boys as a new musical from last season, Catch Me would probably be my favorite new musical this season. I thought the production was apt, the cast was terrific and the score a knockout. It reminded me of a Jule Styne or Cy Coleman musical from the 60s-- perhaps with a little more emotional weight.

[goldenboy]

Posted: 6/20/11 at 12:32pm

I think the concept of the TV Variety show keeps the audience from getting involved in the show and the characters. The score is a disappointment after Hairspray.

Aaron Tveit gets the short end of the stick here.

I thought his performance engaging and wonderful but again, the variety show concept kept me from getting involved his characters or anyone elses character.

Rule one for any piece of theatre..:"You have to care about the leading character." The concept of the Variety Show kept one from being involved in any of the characters except for Linda Hart who was extraordinarily funny.

The producers, knowing Aaron's talent asked him to star in, narrate, sing and dance in his own musical and carry the show.
He almost succeeded but he was fighting with the concept foisted upon him by the creators.

The result? The tony people got confused and blamed poor Aaron for a show that simply does not work in any way, shape or form thanks to its creators.

Norbert Leo Butz, a performer I normally enjoy, was annoying in the his role. I cannot believe he won the Tony for this annoying grating performance which didn't vary much from the Tom Hanks interpretation.

Again. A missed chance, A poor musical that is uninvolving.
And Aaron Tveit was robbed of a Tony nomination, recognition and was blamed for the creators mistakes.

And that's show biz as I see it.

[kyl3fong2]

Posted: 6/20/11 at 1:35pm

I LOVED the show. You are going to have a great time!


Also, to whoever mentioned the Swing going on in a role...what role did she play? Does anybody know?

[mmFan]

Posted: 6/29/11 at 9:54am

Ok...am back from NY and now can add my own comments (to my own thread).

I had never seen the movie so watched it the weekend prior and quite liked the story. The play stayed pretty true to the movie. I'll say that it was OK...didn't hate it, but am not running out to see it again (which I do when I like a musical). First half I was a bit bored. Not sure if it was just me being tired, but it was kind of slow. He was still a pilot and hadn't really even met his love at the end of act one. Did find act 2 better, so was ok. I do prefer more modern music, and so aside from Goodbye, no songs really stood out (except Don't Break the Rules was a great performance). Both actors were really good.
PS - Had seen Book of Mormon night before, so it had a hard comparison following that.

[justafan2]

Posted: 7/13/11 at 7:52pm

I just saw this show and enjoyed it----The second half of the first act was IMO---a little better. Maybe because Norbert had a larger role in that half. The second act had some very good moments---and some not so great moments--but, overall, I especially loved the talent of Norbert and Aaron! It wasn't my favorite show, but I def plan to see it again! (hopefully the two leads will be in).

[SeanMartin]

Posted: 7/13/11 at 10:15pm

It's a fun piece of throw-back Broadway, but man, I *hated* the set.

[Dennis-in-ct]

Posted: 7/13/11 at 10:43pm

Glad you got to see if mmfan

I saw it twice.

The first time I was 6 rows from the back of the mezz. I walked out thinking it was a good solid traditional broadway show that reminded me of hairspray. I was not overly estatic - just liked it. It was previews.

Then I saw it again 6 rows from the stage after opening. Oh my god ... I was entralled and taken by the show. Elated and now a fan. I can't believe how differently I felt after seei it a second time. Then I bought the soundtrack and appreciate it even more. I plan on going back for a third round at some point.


I agree with vcaniglia591 and ajh .... I am a fan. Love this show and feel it is underrated.


It is from the people who brought you Hairspray. And if Hairspray feels like a 16 yr old girl musical - than Catch Me is a musical for adult hetro males. I love it.