Catch Me If You Can

To quote Mary Poppins, Northern Light Theatre Company’s production of Catch Me If You Can is “Practically perfect in every way”!

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.

It begins 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. It also tells the tale of an ingenious, yet lonely, boy looking for his place in the world.

Catch Me If You Can began its life as a 2002 American biographical crime comedy-drama film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks with Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen, Nathalie Baye, Amy Adams and James Brolin in supporting roles.

The musical version premiered in 2011, receiving 4 Tony Award nominations.

With a cast of over thirty, an orchestra of twelve,  multiple scenes and costumes the show is big by any standards.

Director Michelle Davy has honed the talents of her cast and the resources of Northern Light Theatre Company to craft a show that does not have a flat spot. The blocking used the stage to advantage, the characters were well drawn and packed a punch.

Mounted high above the stage, Serena Cann’s orchestra is punchy and tight with a brass section to die for. My only minor criticism is the lack of diction in the first few numbers where the cast are backed by a big brass sound. However, this could have been a microphone or balance issue. I am happy to say it largely corrected itself as the evening progressed.

Shenayde Wilkinson-Sarti’s choreography is fresh, invigorating and plays to the strengths of the cast without ‘dumbing down’ the choreographic art.

A special mention needs to be made of the interactive projections, an integral part of this production by Sam Davy, the aeroplane with whirling propellors that flew in during one number and the costume design/execution by Sue Winston and Michelle Davy.

The two major principal roles are embodied by Deon Martino-Williams in the title role Frank Abagnale Jr and Dave Macgillivray as his nemesis Carl Hanratty.

Martino-Williams, fresh from Jersey Boys, plays Abagnale as a naïve adventurer trying to get the best from his life based on his father’s advice. He has the perfect relaxed manner on stage, augmented with a golden voice. He makes the stage his own. When questioned about his ability to fool people his character simply says “People only know what you tell them” and “Of course, as someone once observed, there is no right way to do something wrong”!

Equally, Macgillivray is at ease in the role of the frustrated detective trying to catch Abagnale. Like Martino-Williams, he has a voice to die for and a fabulous sense of comedy. They are the perfect pair.

Abagnale’s parents (Frank Sr. and Paula), played by Gavin Cianci and Ali Craig, give us a clue to Frank’s outlook on life. Their number “Don’t be a Stranger’ is a highlight.

Melanie Cowmeadow as Frank’s love interest Brenda Strong is innocent, highly principled, in love with Frank and has a voice that could have come from “The Voice Australia”. In fact, it did. She was in the 11^th season and made it to the top 24. I loved her version of “Fly, Fly Away”. Her parents Roger and Carol are played with comic flair by Gus Smith and Claire Birbeck. Their number “(Our) Family Tree” was a hoot.

Hanratty’s three henchman, Agents Cod, Branton and Dollar, are played by Nick Mitchell, Kyle Mcauliffe and Thomas Sheldon with adroit timing and more than a passing nod to the Three Stooges.

A principal cast are only as good as the ensemble that backs them and Catch Me If You Can is no exception. They pour themselves in and out of costumes and scenes with ease, particularly in “Doctor’s Orders” and “Don’t Break the Rules”.

Catch Me If You Can is a great excuse to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the Fringe/Festival and see some quality amateur theatre. Don’t miss the chance of seeing this gem!

Barry Hill OAM