By LeAnna Hamblin
Heritage Theatre’s production of Catch Me If You Can in Perry, Utah takes audiences on a grand adventure without ever making them leave their seats. This relatively new musical (which is based on the 2002 film of the same name and first appeared on Broadway in 2011 tells the true story of a young con artist.
Frank Abagnale Jr. (Ben Lowell) leaves his tumultuous home life in search of some excitement and success. As he delves into a life of con and crime, he finds success in conning the people around him by making them believe that he is what he appears to be. Throughout, Abagnale is chased by F.B.I. agent, Carl Hanratty (Travis Williams) and their stories intertwine to create a unique relationship where both rely on each other to find success and happiness.
Lowell, charms the audience within the first minute of the show. His strong and clear voice is captivating, and he is commanding onstage. The opening number, “Live in Living Color,” clearly shows how well Lowell and the ensemble cast work together to tell this intriguing story. Williams embodies the role of Agent Hanratty while he demands respect from his fellow agents Branton (Daniel Price), Cod (Colten Jones), and Dollar (Cameron Linford), and uses his strong stage presence to assert his authority. Williams’ voice is strong and perfect for the vocal demands of this role. This is well spotlighted in the numbers “The Man Inside the Clues” and “Little Boy Be a Man.”
In “Little Boy Be a Man,” Williams sings this duet with the talented Troy Hone who plays Frank Abagnale Sr. Hone is a man of large stature which perfectly suits this role, as he portrays a father who only wants his son to succeed in a way that he never could.
Brooke Wardle, who plays Paula Abagnale, is a demure actress , befitting her role as the poised mother of Abagnale Jr. She is dignified onstage and has a gentle singing voice as is evident in “My Favorite Time of Year” and “Don’t Be a Stranger.”
Tyler Bender, who plays a nurse, possesses a strong voice for someone so young and this is showcased in the number “Doctor’s Orders.
Aisha Marie as Brenda Strong, Frank’s love interest, has a beautifully confident stage presence and singing voice. Her tender solo “Fly, Fly Away” gently tells of her commitment to Frank and shows all the love Brenda has for this man she thought she knew.
One highlight of the show is when Brenda takes Frank to meet her parents, Carol Strong (Amber Kacherian) and Roger Strong (Jordan Martineau). Kacherian’s comedic interpretation of a devoted southern, religious mother is hilarious and has the audience in stitches. Martineau is the perfect onstage partner for Kacherian and plays well off her antics, adding his own energy to the role. Kacherian and Martineau show off their vocal capabilities in the number “(Our) Family Tree” along with Lowell and Marie.
Director Leslie Richards should be very proud of the cast she has assembled and worked with for this production. They come together to tell this unique story that deserves to be told. The production team is equally stellar. Music Director Misa Findlay has fine-tuned the cast to create beautiful melodies. Choreographer Ginny Waldron makes great use of the stage and excels at featuring the ensemble in many numbers. Costume Designers Rachel Hunt, Brianna Taylor, and Richards bring the feeling of a time long past through the creative outfits of the cast. Richards, who also designed the set, includes many pieces which help the audience feel as if they are in the time and place being represented onstage.
Catch Me If You Can at Heritage Theatre in Perry, Utah is an intriguing story that has captured the interest of audiences for years through written word, film, and stage performances. The quality rendition at Heritage Theatre is captivating and will take audiences on an unexpected and exciting journey. Don’t miss your chance to “live life in living color” with this incredible cast.
Heritage Theatre presents Catch Me If You Can, based on the DreamWorks Motion Picture, Book by Terrence McNally, Music by Marc Shaiman, Lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman.
Heritage Theatre, 2505 S Highway 89, Perry, UT 84302
August 23-September 14, 2019, 7:30 PM, Monday, Friday-Saturday; Matinee, 2:00 PM, Saturday, August 31
Tickets: $10-$12
Contact: 435-723-8392
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