Last week, we had the pleasure of seeing the brand new ‘Catch Me If You Can’ at the Colony Theater in Burbank, where the mayor and other members of the community joined opening night to watch it all unfold.
Based on the hit DreamWorks motion picture and the incredible true story that inspired it, Catch Me If You Can is a high-flying, splashy Broadway musical that tells the story of Frank W. Abagnale, Jr., who runs away from home in search of the glamorous life. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination, and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor, and a lawyer — living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. But when Frank’s lies catch the attention of FBI agent Carl Hanratty, Carl chases Frank to the end… and finds something he never expected.
I personally really enjoyed the show. Having seen the past two productions starring Blake Jenner, I was excited to see what they had cooking up for this one.
The singing from every cast member was truly outstanding and the songs kept the momentum going — before I knew it, we were already into Act 2. I don’t think there was a single moment I wasn’t entertained, and I found myself moving along with the songs despite never having heard them before.
I’ll admit, I went in a little worried the adaptation might feel confusing without the film fresh in my memory. It wasn’t — not knowing every detail going in didn’t distract from the story at all.
I really enjoyed the lead, Frank Abagnale Jr., played by Blake Jenner. He’s been the lead in the past three shows I’ve seen, including The Wedding Singer. He stole the show, and I honestly think he sounded the best he has ever sounded on the Colony’s stage, with his singing standing out among a cast that was strong across the board.
Frank Abagnale Jr. (Blake Jenner) and Brenda Strong (Gabbie Adner) in Catch Me If You Can, The Musical.
From the opening number, his acting, charm, and singing were all on point. He belted through “Live in Living Color,” which set the stage beautifully, establishing the tone and story without giving too much away. From there, we’re introduced to Frank’s parents, and start to understand where he came from. His father, played by Kevin Bailey stands out with his false bravado and his beautiful, rich baritone singing voice and the mother, played by Leslie Stevens, exudes elegance and is a beautiful dancer.
His dynamic with Hanratty echoes the film but carves out its own identity, different enough to keep the show feeling fresh rather than like a retread. Jenner brings a distinct charisma to Frank that plays off his cast mates well, especially Joe Abraham’s Carl Hanratty — genuinely funny throughout, particularly in numbers like “Don’t Break the Rules,” which almost stopped the show with applause on opening night.
Frank Abagnale Jr. (Blake Jenner) and Carl Hanratty (Joe Abraham) in Catch Me If You Can, The Musical.
The staging was genuinely interesting: visuals projected on the walls behind the actors. Paired with a live orchestra visible along the top row, it all gave the whole show a livelier, more immersive feel. In-theme narration threaded through the production added another layer, a small touch that speaks to how sharp the direction was overall. The choreography deserves a mention too — surprisingly mesmerizing, and worth calling out on its own. I tend to look for flaws wherever I can find them, but the singing left little room for complaint.
One audience member summed it up well: “So good — all the cast was great. I loved the set and costumes and choreography. I loved his mom and dad and his love interest, Brenda, and her parents. And I absolutely loved Carl Hanratty — his relationship with Frank Jr. is nuanced and moving. It’s such a hard role, and I think Blake Jenner was wonderful — funny, moving, and charismatic. And vocally, everyone sounded spectacular.”
The Colony Theatre announced a new production of Catch Me If You Can, the musical, in 2026. With music by Marc Shaiman, book by Terrence McNally, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman, ten-time Artios Award-winner Michael Donovan — director of The Colony’s smash hit The Wedding Singer this past summer — is set to direct. The original Broadway production of Catch Me If You Can ran in 2011, receiving four Tony Award nominations including Best Musical and winning one (Best Leading Actor in a Musical for Norbert Leo Butz).
Said Colony Theatre Producing Artistic Director Heather Provost, “We’re thrilled to bring this wildly entertaining, high-energy musical to our stage. At The Colony, we’re drawn to shows that dazzle the senses while speaking to the heart, and this show does both in spectacular fashion. It’s an incredible, character-driven story brought to life through the kind of vibrant theatricality we love sharing with our audiences. This production promises to be one of our most joyful yet.”
