Catch This Show Before It Takes Off
From the very first flashy chorus line, Catch Me If You Can at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire takes the audience on a whirlwind ride through the unbelievable true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr.—teen con artist, master of disguise, and charming fugitive who always seems one step ahead of the game.
Based on the hit film and real-life exploits of the real charmer, the Tony Award-winning musical combines Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman’s toe-tapping score with Terrence McNally’s clever book. The result is a high-energy, big-band spectacular that celebrates the thrill of the chase while never losing sight of its emotional core.
Marriott’s in-the-round stage makes you feel like you’re part of the action, with dazzling costumes, bold choreography, and a live band. Directed by Jessica Fisch who keeps the pace brisk and the action hot, each con Frank pulls off—from airline pilot to doctor to lawyer—is presented with humor and wit. Yet beneath the sparkle, the story is grounded by the cat-and-mouse pursuit between Frank, played by JJ Neiman who is outstanding in his role as a young kid playing an adult game. Marriott-favorite Nathanial Stampley plays FBI Agent Carl Hanratty with equal parts gruffness and heart. Their unlikely bond becomes the true soul of the show.
Standout performances include Jessie Fisher who plays Frank’s French mom with the perfect French accent and Sean Fortunato who plays his put-upon, absentee father. The real surprise comes in the middle of Act 2 when we’re introduced to Frank’s future in laws, played by James Earl Jones II and Alexis Roston, who simply take the house down!
The ensemble shines in big, show-stopping numbers like “Live in Living Color” and “Don’t Break the Rules,” filling the stage with vibrant energy. Kudos to Deidre Goodwin for the breathtaking choreography and to Sully Ratke for the colorful, authentic costumes that light up the stage, scene after scene.
But what makes Catch Me If You Can more than just a stylish spectacle is its heart. At its very basics, this is a story about longing—for family, for love, for a place to belong. By the final curtain, the audience is left both dazzled and touched, swept away by a musical that blends glitz with genuine emotion.
Clever, stylish, and endlessly entertaining, Catch Me If You Can is a fast-paced joyride you won’t want to miss at Marriott Theatre Lincolnshire, now playing through October 19
