By Kathy Carpenter
San Diego Musical Theatre starts the 2022 season with “Catch Me If You Can” The Musical‘ It is entertainment Gold, mesmerizing, and fast paced. It is based on a true story, with book by Terrence McNally, lyrics by Marc Shainman & Scott Wittman, and music by Marc Shaiman. It is directed by Allison Spratt Pearce, with Musical director Richard Duenez, and choreographer Xavier J. Bush. “People only know what you tell them.” Catch me if you can.
Frank Abagnale was a master at misdirection. Frank Abagnale Jr. learned at his feet. He became a grand master. Frank Jr. adored his mom and dad. They divorced when Frank Jr. was sixteen, it tore him apart. When the judge asked him who he wanted to live with, Frank Jr. ran. He left with nothing, tricked his way onto the bus, and made his way to New York City, soon becoming an expert at passing bad checks at will. He then moved on to bigger crimes, posing as a pilot, doctor, and lawyer in a few short years. Agent Hatratty was onto Frank Jr. from the beginning, but it was awhile before he caught up to him. Frank Jr. taunted Hatratty, and they became almost like family. Lonely comrades. Although in stories like this you are rooting for the con game to go on, you know that eventually it must end. In this case the story ends well. Frank serves his time and goes to work for the FBI as an expert. Because of his first=hand experience Frank Abagnale has worked for the FBI over forty years.
The musical is set in the late sixties, with amazing costumes. The set was simple, with Arches that came apart and moved off, on, and about the stage, seamlessly. The songs are upbeat and fun. I am happy to see an awesome full production show once again.
Beau Brians, led the cast as Frank Abagnale Jr. flawlessly embodying his real counterpart. Brians rocked and his voice cast a spell. And, not to be out-shined, Berto Fernandez, as Hatratty, was the total package. His singing, dancing and comedic timing complimented Brians expertly. The agents, Joey Guerra, Dennis Peters, and Suthshna Mani, made excellent side men. Andrea Petsinger as Frank’s mom, so poised and charming. did a great french accent. Frank senior, the role model for his son did a masterful job. Adelaida Martinez , plays Frank’s fiancee, nailing the role as did her parents. Ted Leib and Debra Wanger. Although Brians and Fernandez could carry a show on their own. A production like this needs an ensemble. This ensemble brought the sexy, giving the show an added punch.
San Diego Musical Theatre continues with the “You Give We Give.” program where you donate in a bucket on the way out of the theatre. The profits going to different local non profit organizations for each productions.
This show made me smile. If you enjoy a great master of deception story, an old-fashioned production with singing and dancing, this is for you. An intimate setting SDMT has moved to a new location. From Downtown San Diego to the Clairmont area.
All Corvid pre-cautions are in place.
San Diego Musical Theatre
Catch Me If You Can the musical
Feb. 11 – March 13, 2022
Next up
In The Heights
May 6. – June 5, 2022
19.858.560.5740
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