Subterfuge, romance, catchy tunes and a man in uniform. Catch Me If You Can is about to catch us!
Most will remember the 2002 film Catch Me If You Can, based on the true story of young con artist Frank Abignale Jnr, who lived the highlife while impersonating a pilot, doctor and lawyer. In a riveting cat and mouse scenario, FBI agent Carl Hanratty, was his constant pursuer in a story much stranger than fiction.
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film’s success lead to a 2009 musical adaptation premiering first in Seattle, then two years later on Broadway.
Australian producer Lauren Peters, who’s fresh approach to musical theatre has included Cry Baby and High Fidelity, is bringing Catch Me If You Can to Sydney’s Hayes Theatre. Its stellar lineup includes Jake Speer (Home and Away) and Simon Burke (The Devil’s Playground) as Frank Jnr and Snr. Tim Draxl (A Place To Call Home) plays agent Hanratty and Jessica Di Costa (Mamma Mia) is Frank Jnr’s love interest Brenda.
Jake Speer plays Frank Abagnale Jnr in Catch Me If You Can at the Hayes Theatre Sydney
For Speer, playing Frank Jnr meant exploring the complexities that drive such a character to seek fame and fortune, through large-scale deception.
“At the heart of this unbelievably true story is a teenage boy searching for a family and more importantly, a father,” says Speer.
“The film has always been a favourite of mine, but I went to the original book to hear from Frank himself,” he says. “The musical is it’s own beast, but the core is the same, being a search for family and a teenager’s inability to understand consequence.
“At the heart is a teenage boy searching for a family and more importantly, a father.”
“I think one thing that’s always on my mind through this, is the fine balance between illusion and reality,” says Speer. “The show hinges on Frank’s perception of his life, his own delusions of grandeur and the harsh reality of his situation, and there’s real pain and empathy that lives within that conflict.”
In playing Frank Snr, acclaimed actor Simon Burke is pleased to be working with the vibrant cast and director Cameron Mitchell, for whom he has great admiration.
“I’m really thrilled to come onboard for Cameron’s first outing as a director. He’s a good friend and one of the best choreographers in the country,” says Burke.
Simon Burke as Frank Abagnale Snr with Jake Speer as Frank Abagnale Jnr, in a scene from Catch Me If You Can
“Cameron’s really interested in exploring the relationship between father and son, so that is front of mind for me,” he says.
“Jake Speer is perfect casting for Frank Jnr, and our ensemble are crazily talented. It’s also great to finally work with Tim Draxl, and I’m reunited with Penny Martin, who plays my wife Paula. I haven’t worked with her since we were bright young things in Anything Goes, some thirty years ago!”
The cast also includes Monique Salle (RENT), Jordan Angelides (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), Hannah McInerney (Dogfight), Jarrod Draper (Mimma), Riley Sutton (Dream Lover) and Stacey Thomsett and Erica Stubbs (Saturday Night Fever).
As well as great costume design from Christine Mutton, the production also includes addictive songs written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whittman.
“Marc Shaiman captures the spirit of the Sixties, just as he did with Hairspray.”
“This show captures the tone of the movie, which is like a wild ride, audacious and fun,” says Burke. “Composer Marc Shaiman captures the spirit of the Sixties, just as he did with Hairspray.”
Speer agrees that Catch Me If You Can definitely has the right components to engage and excite an audience.
“I think people are going to have a really great time with this production,” he says. “Not only do you get the catchy tunes from an amazing score and slick dance numbers, but you really feel for the people you seen on stage. It speaks to the romantic in all of us, and everyone’s need to be loved. But as much as you get caught up in the big dance numbers, you can’t forget this was actually someone’s life.”
Catch Me If You Can plays at the Hayes Theatre until 18 August
For more: https://hayestheatre.com.au
Tim Draxl as Agent Carl Hanratty in a scene from Catch Me If You Can
