Exactly how good is Catch Me If You Can?

[rorschach37]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:01am

I know reviews were mixed, so it wasn't exactly on the top of my list of things to see next month, but my friend is dying to see it and wants me to go with him. I do really like the movie, but some of the music I've heard from the show had me less than impressed. Would anyone recommend it?

[CockeyedOptimist2]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:04am

Not very. I found it boring, pointless and unmemorable. Plenty of people like it, but I just can't understand what they see in it. I didn't hate it, I just didn't think it was very good. Be prepared for mixed opinions in this thread that probably won't help you make up your mind.

[rougeduck]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:14am

I was very meh about it. Some things worked, others failed. Over all it was like a 6 and a half. Also Aaron Tveit was kinda not that great.

[Harpz2006]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:15am

I saw it in previews and the talented cast was so energetic and enthusiastic I really enjoyed their performances. I went a second time with a friend who wanted to see it a few days ago and found that spark was lacking and Tveit didn't seem that into it, and had toned his performance down a lot (maybe just tired or sick). My friend who had never seen him perform before even remarked the lead seemed low energy! It doesn't have the sense of excitement the movie has, nor the character development and emotion... however, Butz does give it his all in a fun performance as Hanratty.
Updated On: 8/1/11 at 01:15 AM

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:34am

I just can't get over the fact that the set looks like it belongs in Vegas show room... not a Broadway stage. It's a shame becaase Rockwell usually does fantastic work.

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:41am

Bad adaptation with some good songs and some that do nothing for the plot and/or main characters. Plays much better on the cast recording than it does on stage. I found it almost unbearable and extremely irritating in its constant straying from the heart of a really riveting life story. The variety show device doesn't work 1 bit (and seems an excuse for pastiche period numbers). I enjoyed Butz immensely but that great performance still isn't enough for me to have to suffer through that messy snooze of a book again. I found Tviet slightly over his head as a leading man. Butler's character and song (great song, wrong show) come out of nowhere and virtually stop the cat and mouse story in its tracks. Shaiman and Wittman are talented fellows, but they missed the mark here. Their tendency to model every number after a song/style from their subject's era fails here. It's a wonderful idea for a musical, but they pigeonholed themselves by relying on what worked for Hairspray. Stick to the recording, I say.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 2:13am

I heard it was about a thousand good.

[Mark_E]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 3:21am

I really disliked it.

[chewy5000]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 3:44am

2 and a half cups of good

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 6:43am

As Larry David would say "Pretty Pretty Pretty Good"

[Dennis-in-ct]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 8:05am

I am a fan of the show but not until after seeing it a second time. It hit me as "meh" the first time.

I love Catch Me and urge you to see it up close and twice.

[Dennis-in-ct]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 8:08am

And another thing .... If you liked Hairspray you should at least *like* this - same people.

If Hairspray says "16 yr old girl musical" Catch Me say "40 yr old man musical" .... seriously, the musical feels "hetro male" rather than "fabulously gay"

I loved it (after the second time)

[quizking101]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 8:24am

It's rather enjoyable. Some of the characters and songs in Act II land with a thud (e.g The entire Strong Family)...but it's other very bouncy and energetic, but also funny and heartwarming.

[Sophiia]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 9:34am

I'd say that compared to some other shows out there (i.e. BoM) it's not a grand slam, but as a show I was thorougly entertained. I thought Aaron was amazing, and Norbert himself makes it totally worth seeing. Some songs aren't very memorable, but there are some songs that have gotten stuck in my head. Not as bad as these boards make it seem... Give it a shot!

[mallardo]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:30pm

Right now it's my most played OBCR. I love the score.

Posted: 8/1/11 at 1:41pm

Exactly?

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 3:16pm

I loved Hairspray and loathed this. And I think many people feel the same way, so I don't think its a given that one's love of Hairspray will give them an enjoyable experience at Catch Me. The attempt to apply the Hairpray paint by numbers song plotting fails miserably here.

[Amalia Balash]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 3:26pm

I saw the show this weekend and thought it was fun. I liked the dancers' energy and the 60's era TV show conceit worked for me. Tveit was engaging and Butz was great. Best show I've ever seen? No. But I'd recommend it to anyone who liked the movie or was in a Mad Men kind of mood.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 6:45pm

I went in the first time with extremely low expectations, and I wound up enjoying it quite a bit. I saw it again last week, and its flaws became apparent. The show never really picks up or goes anywhere. Too much explaining/exposition, not enough action! The score has some great moments, but when it drags, it drags. Norbert proves why he won his second Tony. Aaron has the voice and charisma (my opinion). Wopat gives it his best. And Kerry Butler's acting is downright embarrassing at times.

Updated On: 8/1/11 at 06:45 PM

[OhTossums2]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 6:50pm

I took my boyfrind to see it (who is not a theater person at all and has seen all of two shows... including this one) and he absolutly LOVED it! I on the other hand thought it was about a 7. Some scenes were fabulous, but overall it was fairly boring.

[kyl3fong2]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 7:11pm

You can count me as one of the people here who loved it. I thought that Norbert Leo Butz gave a commanding performance and Aaron Tveit was amazing as well. I enjoy the songs and thought that the whole ensemble in this show was really energetic, enthusiastic and could see that they were all really enjoying the show.

Sure, the set design may have been a bit plain but in my opinion it works for the show's 60's television special concept. I think that you should definitely go see it! It definitely is worth seeing!

[MeggilyWeggily08]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 8:13pm

I think that the set works for that TV special concept, but I don't think the concept works for the show. I loved the show overall, though. It's not my favorite of all time, or the greatest thing I've ever seen, but I do enjoy myself while seeing it, and I've seen it a few times now. I, personally, love the dancing and the ensemble. They are probably my favorite part of the show. Aaron, Norbert, and Tom are all fantastic, and the other leads are great too. I think the cast really pulls the show together. It has draggy moments, but I think that when the show shines, it really shines.

[luvcaroline]

Posted: 8/1/11 at 9:49pm

This was my favorite show during our last trip to NYC. We saw it in previews and the energy and enthusiasm of the cast was obvious. The ensemble was fantastic. Both Tveit and Butz were remarkable (my first time seeing both). I wiuld not hesitate to see this again!

[PremierFan]

Posted: 8/2/11 at 10:15am

I have seen the show a few times, taking large groups because it appeals to such a wide audience. I have to say I enjoy it more every time I see it and the chemistry between Norbert and Aaron becomes more evident each time. The score is wonderful and infectious and the orchestra is absolutely brilliant. It may not be the "perfect" show in the eyes of the critics, but it is a great ride for the audience. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see great acting, music, and dancing. Love it!

[labwyfan]

Posted: 8/2/11 at 12:24pm

Saw it on my most recent trip to NY and it was my least favorite show. Sister Act or How To Succeed... are far more superior (especially HTS).

I kept waiting for them to explain why the character Norbert Leo Butz plays walks with what seemed to be a physical impairment. They never did.