Catch Me if You Can: The Musical (by Ryan)

Alright, so when Ellie asked me to write for Moxie in the Musical Theatre department, I had a little trouble deciding where to start. There are so many amazing shows out there, each one unique in its own way. But since Moxie seems to be about new and modern music, I decided to start from there. I sat on the computer and looked for musicals of 2009. And there I saw it, with shining lights and angel choirs: Catch Me if You Can: The Musical.

The musical hasn't hit Broadway quite yet, it is currently on the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, WA. It is based on the movie of the same title, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. If there are any other Broadway freaks out there reading this, then maybe you will understand the excitement of the following sentence: Carl Hanratty is played by none other than Norbert Leo Butz (also noted in Wicked, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, etc.) He has a fantastic voice and really pulls the show together.

An official soundtrack for the show has yet to be released, however 5th Avenue Theatre has posted a few of the songs on YouTube:

Breaking All the Rules: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RSV9GQNR7Y&feature=related

"When you steal somebody's money, screw his daughter or his wife, you don't think of repercussions as you tap dance through your life!"

Live in Living Color: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0B446pk1kI&feature=related

"I've got a story of dreams come true, sing along with me for a bird's eye view."

The song "Jet Set" from the show is offered as a free mp3 download at this link: http://www.5thavenue.org/show/catchmeifyoucan0910/CMIYCPromo.aspx
(If it asks for a "Promo" code, just click the Enter button underneath it.)

"Just left Wisconsin, where there's cheese enough to start this rat race. But, thanks to the Brothers Wright, we don't know where we'll sleep tonight."

Show Hightlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KV1_3iGUZfg&feature=related
The music doesn't seem to be that world-changing kind of stuff, like "Defying Gravity" or "Tomorrow", but in my opinion it's pretty good. The costumes aren't super-fantastical (if that's a word) but from the music videos I can see that color really speaks out in this show. Whether it be Frank's yellow jacket in a crowd of green, or the black-and-white effect of the office, it really enhances the show. There are rumors of this seemingly awesome show coming to Broadway, and I'm positive it would be a hit.
So there we have it folks, my very first review. These last few years have really brought a lot to Broadway and to Musical Theatre, and I'm looking forward to sharing with you whatever it is they throw at us next.


Editor's Note: Welcome to the staff, Ryan!