Live in Living Color
Highly Recommended
It’s hard to believe, but every time we think we’ve seen the best musical that the marvelous Marriott’s Lincolnshire Theatre will ever produce, they prove us wrong. Along comes yet another fantastic show that takes the title. And to make this production even more amazing, the plot is based on real life. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, a stranger-than-fiction musical, is about a wily teenage con artist who will both mesmerize and move the audience. While laughing at the surprising but zany antics of the leading character, and applauding the artistic skill of the ensemble, theatergoers will find themselves caring for and empathizing with Frank Abagnale, Jr. He’s a young man pursuing a far-fetched fantasy life that is, as he sings, “Live in Living Color.”
In 2011, New York City saw some impressive and exciting new musicals. They included SISTER ACT, THE SCOTTSBORO BOYS and THE BOOK OF MORMON. In addition, new revivals of HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING and ANYTHING GOES also dazzled theatergoers and critics alike. But another musical opened that year in the Big Apple. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN was a charming and splashy musical that was based on and autobiography and Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film of the same name. The story was about a kid named Frank Abagnale Jr. who embarked on an adventurous journey through life, posing as a pilot, a doctor, a lawyer and a Secret Service agent, all the while being pursued by determined FBI agent, Carl Hanratty.
As excellent as this musical was, it was only nominated for four Tony Awards and just took home the prize for Best Actor. But despite having a book by Terrence McNally (RAGTIME, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN), music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (the team that brought us HAIRSPRAY and SOME LIKE IT HOT), it just couldn’t compete with the other shows that year. In a less impressive season, this musical might’ve earned more, well-deserved theatrical accolades. But that’s not to say that this is, in any way, an inferior show. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN might just be one of the Marriott’s finest shows in a 50 year run of excellent productions.
The accomplished cast is simply extraordinary, beginning with the actors playing leading roles. JJ Niemann is absolutely masterful as Frank Abagnale, Jr. The young actor’s looks, his voice, his energy and moxie are all peerless. Fresh off his role in the Broadway production of HAMILTON, and as cover for George McFly in BACK TO THE FUTURE, Mr. Niemann’s portrayal of Frank, Jr. is the focus of this production. And as such, this triple-threat effortlessly holds the audience in the palm of his hand. And, keep in mind, the actor sings 11 out of the 17 songs, such as “Someone Else’s Skin,” “Jet Set” and “Seven Wonders.” And the young actor is almost never offstage. JJ pairs perfectly with his co-star, Nathaniel Stampley, who flawlessly plays Frank’s adversary, FBI Agent Carl Hanratty. Mr. Stampley is a Jeff Award-winning actor for MAN OF LA MANCHA, as well as having been nominated for both RAGTIME and THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY at the Marriott. His Broadway credits include shows like PARADISE SQUARE (which had its tryout in Chicago), PORGY AND BESS and both the original and revival of THE COLOR PURPLE. Here Nathaniel’s velvety voice caresses songs like “The Man Inside the Clues,” “Don’t Break the Rules,” and duets with JJ Niewman (“Stuck Together”) and gifted Chicago actor, Sean Fortunato, who plays Frank’s father (“Little Boy, Be a Man”).
The cast features wonderfully witty and waggish performances by many more Chicago’s favorites. In addition to super Sean Fortunato (DAMN YANKEES) as Frank Abagnale, Sr., his wife Paula is played with class and coquettish cuteness by Marriott veteran and Broadway actress, Jesse Fisher. Talented Chicago actors Karl Hamilton, Alex Goodrich and Justin Albinder return to the Lincolnshire stage to play Frank Hanratty’s bumbling fellow G-men. The always terrific James Earl Jones II comes back to the Marriott after recent appearances in TITANIC, SHE LOVES ME and RAGTIME. He’s hilarious as Roger Strong and a Pan Am Executive. Lovely Alexis J. Roston also brings broad humor to her role as Carol Strong, the School Principal, and several other ensemble roles. Last seen at the Marriott in BEAUTIFUL, both Jones and Roston get to demonstrate their powerful vocal talent, as well. And as Brenda Strong, their daughter and Frank’s love interest, lovely Broadway actress Mariah Lyttle (THE WIZ, BAD CINDERELLA) is another newcomer to the Marriott. The brilliant actress stops the show cold with her exceptional eleventh hour ballad, “Fly, Fly Away.”
The true story of a wily teenage con artist offers so much to like, including a sparkling good score ranging from 1950’s jazz to 1960’s pop rock. There’s a singing/dancing ensemble of long-legged ladies and hunky young men who keep every scene in retro-inspired motion. Creative Jessica Fisch returns to the Marriott after her lovely production of BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROL KING MUSICAL. Once again this clever and inventive Director gives audiences a simply sensational show, smartly staged for the arena venue. As always, the Music Direction by Ryan T. Nelson is spot-on, and Christopher Sargent’s talented nine-member orchestra sounds rich and full. And of course, sensational Choreographer Diedre Goodwin (BEEHIVE, SISTER ACT) keeps the story in motion through moving feet and gyrating bodies.
Talented Co-Scenic Designers Andrew Boyce and Lauren M. Nichols have beautifully met the challenge of creating a colorful, continually moving theatrical setting that helps tell the story. Working with gifted Video/Projections Design Artist, Anthony Churchill, and brilliant, ever reliable Lighting Designer, Jesse Klug, the ambiance and stage environment for this production deserves the highest accolades. Altogether, this magical, provocative and absolutely unbelievable Scenic Design becomes one more character in this production. Add to this artistic accomplishment stunning Costume Designs by Sully Ratke. Her tight, short-skirted costumes are sexy, bold, colorful and lots of fun. Watch carefully as some of Ms. Ratke’s wardrobe turn into a brand new outfit, right before our eyes. Paired with period Wigs & Makeup Designs by Miguel A. Armstrong, the show’s nostalgic style is carefully maintained.
Led by a cast of luminary leads, supported by a phenomenal company of supporting actor/singer/dancers and enhanced by the artistry of a troop of technical creatives, there’s not enough adjectives to describe the power and pleasure of this show. It’s a production that’s “Live in Living Color,” filled with talented triple-threats, a pleasant jazz-infused score, stylized choreography and eye-popping sets and costumes. Marriott’s production easily surpasses the National Tour that played in Chicago shortly after the original Broadway show closed. With so much negative energy permeating our world today, CATCH ME IF YOU CAN offers Chicagoland audiences a couple hours of the kind of entertainment and encouragement we definitely need nowadays.
