Hale Centre Theatre to Present CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, 10/8-11/29

In a regional premiere, Hale Centre Theatre (HCT) is producing Catch Me If You Can, a sophisticated story of cops and robbers turned friends. Set in the 1960s, Catch Me showcases the elegance of the decade with beautiful costuming and glamorous sets. Catch Me If You Can plays at Hale Centre Theatre, Utah's Premiere Family Theatre, Wednesday, October 8 through Saturday, November 29.

The extravagant musical tells the real-life tale of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a young, talented con man living the high life, and Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent pursuing him. The show tells the story of the men's contrasting lives converging as Carl closes in on Frank Jr. with a visually rich set designed by Kacey Udy.

"I think everyone loves the cops-and-robbers story, and they root for the bad guy to be smart and for the cop to be smart and want them to outwit each other," said Kelly DeHaan, who is the musical director and double cast as Carl Hanratty. "But I think the cool thing about this show is they become friends and Carl becomes a father figure who grounds Frank Jr., and that's exactly what Frank Jr. needs is grounding."

In addition to telling a unique story, theatre-goers will see several people on stage they're familiar with from behind the scenes. DeHaan, Dave Tinney, John Sweeney and Jenny Barlow are all more often seen directing at HCT, but have stepped onstage for this production.

Keith Evans, who is double cast as Frank Jr., said having so many directors on stage is "like having an all-star team. It's fascinating to see that because of their expertise on the other side of things, putting shows together from a production standpoint, they're very willing to let our brilliant director Chris Clark govern the day."

Double cast as Carl Hanratty, Tinney said he does usually prefer to stay behind the scenes, but it's important to "dust off occasionally" and do the things he's asking his students to do.

DeHaan said being on and off stage is daunting but fun. "You're responsible for the show, but also responsible for yourself as an actor," he said. "We've got a lot of directors in the show and I think it's better for it because I think we're all keenly aware of people watching."

Audiences will love the fast-paced, unexpectedly clever, honest story Director Chris Clark has created, said Tinney. DeHaan added that the glamor and elegance of the production is stunning.

"I think people are going to be blown away by the impact of the show, especially in that intimate space, with all the singing coming at you, our dancers are the best I've seen and the costumes are beautiful. I think they'll be breathless," he said.

Hale Centre Theatre's Catch Me If You Can is directed by Chris Clark and features Keith Evans and Andrew Robertson as Frank Abagnale, Jr.; Dave Tinney and Kelly DeHaan as Carl Hanratty; Michelle Blake and Shaunna Thompson as Paula Abagnale; and John Sweeney and Doug Irey as Frank Abagnale, Sr. Choreography is by Jenny Barlow, set design by Kacey Udy, costume design by Tamara Baker, music direction by DeHaan, sound design by Shane Steel, lighting design by Adam Flitton, properties by Jennifer Taylor & Michelle Jensen and hair and make-up design by Krissa Lent & Trisha Ison.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, October 8 to November 29, with Saturday matinees at 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. There are no performances on October 31 and November 27. Admission for adults is $30-33 and $16 for children ages 5 to 11. Tickets may be purchased online at www.hct.org, via telephone at (801) 984-9000, or at the Hale Centre Theatre box office, 3333 South Decker Lake Drive, West Valley City.

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