Review: THE MUSICAL CATCH ME IF YOU CAN in Japan

The Musical Catch me if you can : The musical adaptation of the classic film directed by Steven Spielberg, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks and garnered widespread acclaim. It made its Broadway debut in 2011, receiving high praise, including a Tony Award for Best Actor and nominations in three categories. In Japan, it was performed in 2022, starring Hikaru Iwamoto, and directed by Ikko Ueda. The stylish choreography and memorable singing received garnered great praise. Following its original run, Hikaru reprises his role as the genius con artist Frank, showcasing his impressive singing, dancing, and acting skills. Eisaku Yoshida, a mainstay of Japanese television and film, continues in his role as the FBI agent Hanratty, who is determined to catch Frank.

Set in New York State in 1968, the story follows 16-year-old Frank (Hikaru Iwamoto), whose happy life with his father (Yuji Kishi) and mother (Sumire Haruno) crumbles after his father's business fails. Frank heads to Manhattan alone, where he begins forging identities and checks. As a fake pilot, Frank starts traveling the world with forged checks in hand. The FBI agent Hanratty (Eisaku Yoshida) is assigned to investigate this global check fraud case. As Frank and Hanratty engage in a cat-and-mouse chase, an odd friendship begins to form between them. While evading the investigation, Frank assumes the identity of a doctor and falls in love with a nurse (Ayase Senna). Just as he vows to build a warm family and get married, Hanratty's pursuit closes in on Frank once again...

The performance of "Catch Me If You Can" opened with a powerful introduction that instantly drew the audience into its world. As Hikaru Iwamoto, playing the lead character Frank, confidently shouted, "It's a musical!", a vibrant energy flooded the stage, accompanied by the resounding orchestral music that filled the theater. From that moment, the audience was swept into the story, with Hikaru's commanding presence and performance taking center stage.

Hikaru displayed an impressive level of skill in both his acting and singing. His voice was stable, with plenty of power, and his bright high notes added a youthful energy to his portrayal of Frank. His tall frame and long limbs were also fully utilized in his dancing, making his movements on stage fluid and eye-catching, ensuring he held the audience's attention.

In the scenes depicting Frank’s complicated upbringing, Hikaru himself took on the role of narrator, delivering rapid lines with emotional depth, leaving the audience in awe. In addition, his ability to connect with the audience through frequent eye contact on stage perfectly embodied Frank’s character, a genius con artist who could captivate and deceive others. One of the most emotional moments came during the scene where Frank’s family is torn apart. Hikaru’s heartfelt singing and acting imbued the stage with sorrow, deeply moving the audience.

In the middle of the story, the ongoing cat-and-mouse chase between Frank and FBI agent Hanratty propels the plot forward. Eisaku Yoshida’s portrayal of Hanratty stood out, with his deep voice adding weight to the tension, and his powerful stage presence injecting an added layer of seriousness to the production. Eisaku’s performance masterfully conveyed the intense chase, as well as the strange camaraderie that gradually developed between Frank and Hanratty. Meanwhile, Ayase Senna, playing the role of Brenda, showcased her character's inner strength as a nurse through her powerful singing, further highlighting her unwavering devotion to her relationship with Frank.

One of the most memorable moments came during the duet between Frank and Brenda, "Seven Wonders". The beautiful harmony between the two actors brought out the pure love they had for each other, deeply stirring the audience. Hikaru and Ayase’s voices blended together flawlessly, creating a touching scene that stood out as one of the most significant in the musical.

As the story reached its climax, the tension built up as Frank became increasingly cornered. The proposal scene saw the ensemble cast join together to celebrate Frank, adding a festive air to the stage. This joyful atmosphere contrasted sharply with Frank’s inner sadness, creating a dynamic rhythm that heightened the drama. When Frank finally confesses everything to Brenda and utters "I have to go!" before leaving, the tension hit its peak, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats, eager to see how his escape would end.

The highlight of the final act was Ayase’s powerful performance of "Fly, Fly Away". Her strong yet delicate voice filled the entire theater, leaving a lasting emotional impact. After the stage darkened, a gunshot echoed, and the airport setting reappeared, recalling the opening of the story as Frank and Hanratty faced their final showdown. Though Frank was arrested, the conclusion, in which Hanratty paved the way for Frank's new life, carried a profound message.

Musical "Catch Me If You Can" is a highly entertaining piece, filled with lighthearted melodies and fast-paced storytelling. At the same time, it delves into the choices and struggles of life, resonating deeply with the audience. The remarkable performances, especially from Hikaru, left a strong impression, and the thunderous applause and cheers throughout the show reflected the audience's high level of satisfaction. In the curtain call, Hikaru's radiant smile clearly showed how much he enjoyed being part of the production. The overwhelming positive response from the audience confirmed that this musical is one that will continue to be loved by many for years to come.

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Photo Credit :[© STARTO ENTERTAINMENT. Used with permission.]

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