Review: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN at Hale Center Theater Orem is Radiant

Hale Center Theater Orem's production of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN is radiant, with appealing performances. attractive design, and superb choreography.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (book by Terrence McNally, music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman), like the well-known movie on which it is based, tells the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr.--a teenage con man who steals millions of dollars while masquerading as an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer. He seemingly has everything he could want, but his true desire for family and home keeps slipping through his grasp.

AnDrew Robertson and the role of Frank Abagnale, Jr. (double cast with Thayne Caldwell) are a match made in heaven due to his youthful energy and emotional vulnerability. He previously played the same part at Hale Centre Theatre in West Valley to great success, and this time around he's even stronger. His remarkable vocals are clear and well matched to the style, and they are much more consistent throughout than they were during his last run.

Patrick Livingston as Carl Hanratty (double cast with Brett Merritt) is at the same level. He is hilarious but completely natural, and his vocals evoke the period captivatingly. He makes the fatherly bond between Frank and Carl believable and adorable. The closing number, "Stuck Together," which could easily become a forgettable endnote after the two showstopping numbers that precede it, is a hugely satisfying highlight of this production due to the chemistry between the two actors.

Marissa Scout Lanham as Brenda Strong (single cast) performs one of those two showstopping songs, "Fly, Fly Away," with such sensitivity and power that her small amount of time onstage as the character is unforgettable.

Additional memorable parts include Ashley Gardner Carlson as Paula Abagnale (double cast with Korianne Orton Johnson), Blake Barlow as Frank Abagnale, Sr. (double cast with Doug Irey), Shawnda Moss as Carol Strong (double cast with Dianna Graham), and Brett Griffeth as Roger Strong (single cast).

The scenic design by Bobby Swenson and Cole McClure and lighting design by Cody Swenson are distinctive and exciting, with a floor that lights up in a never-ending stream of various colors and designs.

The costume design by MaryAnn Hill is splashy, yet impressively restrained in its specificity, detail, and period accuracy.

The choreography by Jennifer Hill-Barlow (assisted by David Holmes) is spectacular in its stylized ode to the era and use of the small space. It is some of the best choreography in the state this year.

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN plays through November 19, 2016. For tickets, call the box office at 801-226-8600 or visit www.haletheater.org.

Photo Credit: Suzy Oliveira. AnDrew Robertson (Frank Abagnale, Jr.) with Rachelle Elbert, Mikayla Bounous, Brooke Hiatt, Arielle Groves, and Marissa Scout Lanham

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