Frank Abagnale Jr’s iconic story has thrilled people for decades. Whether it’s his 1980 autobiography, the 2002 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks or the exciting new musical that opened on Broadway in 2011, his cons and tricks have entertained millions. After only seven years, Catch Me If You Can, the hot musical adaption, is being brought to Windsor through a local production from Cardinal Music Productions, led by actor Benjamin J Doncom as the mischievous and slippery thief. It opens Friday (April 20).
“I love the music and storyline in this show,” says producer and director Joseph Anthony Cardinal. “The songs are beautiful and really help tell the story in an engaging fashion. I always select cast members thru the audition process. I enjoy it and love being surprised and there are always surprises. I look for many things. Voice type, appearance, availability and last but most importantly the ability to work with others.”
The cast will bring audiences back to the 1960s when airline security was a lot easier to crack. Catch Me If You Can tells the story of a seasoned FBI agent who pursues Abagnale Jr. from 1965 to 1970, when he ran a series of scams—posing as a lawyer, a doctor, a pilot—before getting arrested and spending five years in prison. In the 2002 biographical movie, he was played by Leonardo DiCaprio. Abagnale Jr. attributes his success as a scam artist to his youth and now puts his skills to use teaching FBI agents around the country about cybercrime, identity theft and fraud.
“Most people can’t relate to the show on a personal level because hopefully they do not live that life of crime,” Cardinal says of the story. “They are intrigued because they look at Frank as some sort of hero. They view him as the underdog and want a happy ending for him. It is important to note that the real Frank does not view himself that way at all. He feels what he did was totally wrong.”
The music and lyrics for Catch Me If You Can were written by the team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who are known for the 2002 Boradway hit musical Hairspray.
Cardinal Music Productions Presents Catch Me If You Can The Musical, directed by Cardinal, with music direction from Allen Levack and choreography By Nina Fasullo. Shows take place at The Green Room Theatre (600 E.C. Row West) on April 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, with Friday and Saturday shows at 8pm and Sunday performances at 2pm.
Tickets are $25 or $22.50 for Seniors & Students and can be purchased at Cardinal Music, 2569B Jefferson, or by phone at 519-944-5800. For more on the show, visit the Facebook event page.
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