Catch Me If You Can – The Musical
Catch Me If You Can (2002) is a thrilling crime/chase film based on the autobiographical book by Frank Abignale Jr. It tells the utterly incredible story of Abignale who, from age 16 to 21, went on a spree of fraud that included impersonating a doctor, lawyer, and airline pilot, and passing around $2 million in counterfeit cheques. He was pursued by the indefatigable FBI agent, Carl Hanratty in a chase that crossed international borders.
It’s hard to imagine how such an action filled, panoramic story could be converted into a stage musical, but it has been, and with Tony Award-winning success.
Making its Sydney debut at The Hayes Theatre, Catch Me If You Can – The Musical retains all the characters and narrative elements of the film but presents them in an innovative way – as a 1960s style variety show.
“There are some wonderful pieces of music – obviously very big kind of brassy 1960s old Hollywood kind of sound in there, which makes for some great numbers with all the air hostesses and the nurses and the doctors…but you’ve also got some beautiful tender moments where Frank and his father can have a moment together,” explains Jake Speer who plays Frank Abignale Jr. While the film focused on the chase, the musical focuses more on emotional dynamics.
“It really is a story about a boy looking for a family and a father figure and a sense of love and belonging,” says Speer. The film was a huge hit and Speer is aware of its looming shadow.
“You’ve kind of gotta do a lot of extra work to wipe the slate clean and bring something different to this very well known, very well told story.”
When you have big Hollywood movies with big Hollywood stars, that’s obviously intimidating, but I think every actor brings their own energy and attitude to a role, and I think simply by being ourselves we bring something different to the part.”
Speer believes the intimate space of The Hayes will work well with the whole variety show concept. The audience will feel like they’re a studio audience, and their proximity will “amplify the emotional journey of the characters.”
Jul 19-Aug 18. Hayes Theatre Co, 19 Greenknowe Ave, Potts Point. $59-$69+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.hayestheatre.com.au
By Rita Bratovich
