By Eldon B. Randall
Catch Me If You Can, now playing at the Empress Theatre in Magna, Utah, is based on the DreamWorks/Spielberg motion picture of the same name. Book by Terrence McNally (Kiss of the Spider Woman/Ragtime), Music by Marc Shaiman and Lyrics by Scott Wittman (Hairspray). Catch Me If You Can first opened on Broadway April 2011.
This was my first adventure to the Empress Theatre. The lobby is very quaint and welcoming. The front staff, all volunteers, by the way, are very helpful, bright and cheery. The seating arrangements were new to me in that the audience’s seats are located on two sides of the performance stage. Entrances and exits come from multiple directions providing a variety of staging. My interest in the staging had been piqued.
The storyline follows Frank Abagnale Jr., (Riley Groves), and his escapades as an international fraud. Frank poses as a substitute teacher, an airplane pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. At the age of sixteen, Frank runs away from home and begins his life of fantasy and reality all rolled into one. Using his “learned” skills, he forges checks and government documents to rob millions of dollars from the government. Frank is chased throughout the world by FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Bradford Bright). When Frank runs into femme fatale, Brenda Strong (Sydney Stephan), he decides to quit running. I’ll leave the ending for you to see. It may not be what you think.
Groves plays the part of Frank Jr. brilliantly. He is completely engulfed and believable as the character. Riley’s singing is on point and catches every emotion. Bright, playing the part of Agent Carl Hanratty, is a perfect foil for Frank Jr.. He carries the detective persona well. His flock of agents are the epitome of ineptitude. Collin Bodily, especially, stands out in that regard. Stephan as Brenda Strong, is the perfect ingenue. Her vocals are outstanding in “Fly, Fly Away”, sung with passion and heartfelt emotion. Very moving.
The supporting cast and ensemble fit precisely into their rolls no matter who they are portraying. The ensemble of women and men help to tie all the scenes together and move the show along effortlessly.
Director Amy J. Bodily does an admirable job staging this production. Even with the actors performing to two sides, I never once felt I was cheated by the actors when their backs were turned. The set is minimal with needed pieces moving on and off with proficiency. Lighting (Tanner Lindsay), costumes (Ty Whiting, Crystal Farnsworth) and all the technical aspects of the production are exact. Fitting to a T the era, place, and mood transported me to where Frank Jr. was traveling. The choreography by Sarah Bringhurst is delightful, bright and springy. Music Director Skyler Bluemel has this cast singing beautifully, with just the right amount of bounce.
If you are looking for an evening of fun and light entertainment, then get on down to the Empress Theatre and catch yourself a delightful production of Catch Me If You Can. It’s catching!
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The Empress Theatre presents Catch Me If You Can by Terrence McNally and Marc Shaiman
The Empress Theatre, 9104 W 2700 S, Magna, Utah 84044
March 30 – April 14, 2018 Monday, Friday-Saturday 7:30 PM; Matinee April 7 2:00 PM
Tickets: $12
Contact: 801-347-7373
The Empress Theatre Facebook Page
Catch Me If You Can Facebook Event
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