Catch Me If You Can is based on an incredible true story about Frank Abagnale Jnr. who's been taught by his father how to scam his way into making his dreams come true. When Frank's parents separate, and he is forced to choose who to live with, he buckles under the pressure and runs away.,Hence begins his life as a con artist. Only a genius can excel in the elaborate lies Frank fabricates to get himself employed as a pilot, at the age of sixteen. When he tires of the high-flying life, he forges paperwork and is hired as a doctor, and then a lawyer. What he failed to realise was the hard lesson that getting what you want fraudulently has serious consequences. Carl Hanratty is the FBI agent hell-bent on nailing Frank, yet he has no clue that Frank is a teenager with the mind of a genius.
Catch Me If You Can image by Vargo Studios
If the story is not intriguing enough, the actual production will blow your mind. I'm not sure what impressed me the most; the multiple costume changes which were immaculate and dazzling; the extravagant set complete with rotating floor, or the extraordinary singing and dancing. I was mesmerised from start to finish. It was visually and audibly spectacular.
Catch Me If You Can boasts songs with a 1950s feel and lyrics that are brilliantly crafted. I really appreciated the live band who proved themselves to be top-notch musicians. The vocals were superb with each cast member impressing the audience with their undisputed singing and dancing talent. The song that made the hair on my head tingle was Fly, Fly Away, sung so beautifully by Dana White, who played Brenda, the girl who won Frank's heart. Other songs I particularly enjoyed were Live in Living Colour, Jet Set, Doctor's Orders, Seven Wonders, and Goodbye.
Catch Me If You Can image by Vargo Studios
Director and Choreographer, Clay English is to be commended on his unquestionable talent and choice of cast, crew and musicians; equally as talented. It was obvious that team collaboration made this production outstanding. The cast certainly looked as if they were having the time of their life and the audience certainly absorbed this infectious exuberance. The choreography was fabulous and although every cast member did an outstanding job, my personal pick of the actor with a special spark was Della Days who played Brenda's mum, Carol Strong. Jack Harbour, who played Frank Jnr. and Chris Catherwood, who played Carl Hanratty did an outstanding job, as did Russell White, who played Frank Snr.
Catch Me If You Can image by Vargo Studios
So, my final word is; Catch This If You Can! Let me rephrase this; you must catch this show! Get online and book it now before it sells out. We are very fortunate on the Gold Coast to have such high calibre theatre entertainment at such incredibly affordable prices. If you've not experienced live theatre, do yourself a favour and start with the production of
Catch Me If You Can. I'm confident that you'll not be disappointed.
Spotlight Theatre is the Gold Coast's leading community theatre showcasing top quality productions from the best talent the Gold Coast has to offer. Not only does it allow brilliant young talent to showcase their amazing capabilities but the shows are affordable and such good value.
Spotlight Theatre is set up in dinner theatre style allowing you to sit at a table and enjoy a drink and snack while being entertained. It is a licensed venue offering a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, snacks and even a blanket to wrap around yourself if you find yourself getting chilly in the theatre.
Reviewed on the 17th of May 2019 by Jacqx Melilli
