Catch Me If You Can

CLOC is one of Victoria’s largest and most successful non-professional music theatre companies.  Since beginning in 1964, they have staged over 100 productions, many of which have been non-professional premieres, including such iconic shows as Sweeney Todd, Annie, Evita, Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera to name a few.  CLOC has retained its status as a producer of first-rate theatre with reasonably priced tickets affordable for all.

CLOC’s latest offering, Catch Me If You Can, is based on the 2002 movie starring Leonardo Di Caprio and Tom Hanks. It tells the ‘stranger than fiction’ true story of con man Frank Abignale Jr. and the FBI agent, Carl Hanratty, who scoured the world to find him.  By the age of 21 Abignale had faked a multitude of identities, impersonating a teacher, doctor, lawyer, and even a jet pilot, along the way forging cheques and stealing millions of dollars as well as the hearts of many girls.  An odd subject for a musical?  Surprisingly, it works extremely well with its intriguing characters, plot twists and natural humour. Whilst being a fast-paced show there are, however, some quieter, heartfelt moments dealing with the importance of family values, and how bad parental examples ultimately affect the future of all of us. 

Richard Perdriau (Music Theatre Guild of Victoria nominee for Best Direction, Jersey Boys) returns to CLOC as Director and Set Designer.  His ritzy, bold, and ‘live in living colour’ adaptation of the Tony winning musical (penned by the same composers as Broadway’s Hairspray and Charlie & The Chocolate Factory) does not disappoint!  With its glamorous costumes, stunning digital visuals, convincing storytelling and rousing chorus and dance numbers, there is something for all theatre connoisseurs.

The 14-piece orchestra (pleasantly featured centre stage) have honed their skills to perfection under the capable baton of Musical Director Tony Toppi.  This brass heavy score is very complex with its variety of genres including big band swing, Motown soul, bossa nova, ‘60s bubblegum pop, TV variety and classic Broadway showstoppers. 

The chorus and dance numbers have been brought to life by the exhilarating choreography of Felicity Bender. The sumptuous ensemble numbers ‘Live in Living Color’, ‘Jet Set’, ‘Don’t Break the Rules’, ‘Doctors Orders’ and ‘Our Family Tree’ leave you (and I’m sure the frenetic cast) breathless!  The dance numbers provide chorus lines to rival the Rockettes, feather wearing burlesque dancers, sizzling Bob Fosse inspired routines, and even a rousing song and dance number by 60’s icon Mitch Miller and his Sing-Along Gang.  Costume designer Victoria Horne has had her work ‘cut out’ for her designing and procuring dozens of stylish and authentic 60’s style costumes.  Mod dresses and retro knit shirts, burlesque corsets and skirts, full length evening gowns and tuxedos, air hostess, nurse, and pilot uniforms and more, each have their own scene stealing moment throughout.  Wig and makeup designer David Wisken has transformed the entire cast back six decades using stylish wigs, hairpieces, hairstyles, and makeup evocative of the era.

The set design by Richard Perdriau consists of nine immense projection screens surrounding the upstage orchestra flanked by staircases on each side.  These screens are used creatively to display a variety of colourful canvases, creating moods conducive to each scene.  The projections include the interiors of airports, hospitals, FBI headquarters, a nightclub and even a starry sky.  A massive curtain with six rectangular openings reminiscent of plane portholes hangs centre stage.  A highlight of the night is when a Pan Am stair truck bearing the slogan ‘World’s Most Experienced Airline’ is wheeled onstage.  Ironic, considering the pilot at the top of the stairs is Frank Jr., the fraudster, who has no experience whatsoever!  

The lighting design by Brad Alcock, from the kaleidoscope of colours in Frank Jr.'s ‘alternate universe’ to the black & white bleakness of the FBI headquarters and the real world is innovative.  Just like a mood ring changing, each scene has its own handpicked colour scheme based on the emotions represented within.  Marcello Lo Ricco has created a well-balanced sound design, giving the orchestra plenty of punch without drowning out the cast’s lines or vocals.  The use of subtle sound effects as well as the thundering roar of a Boeing jet flyover created an immersive feeling.  

This cast is so strong it’s hard to believe that this is a non-professional production. The principals are equally as strong and believable as each other.  Will Woods’ portrayal (in his first CLOC production) of the confident and yet fearful Frank Abignale Jr. is on point.  His character oozes both charisma (‘Live in Living Colour’) and boyish vulnerability (‘Someone Else’s Skin’). It feels like the role was written for him.  Ric Birkett plays the jaded husband and father Frank Abignale Sr.  Birkett’s decades of performing experience are evident. His vocals, character portrayal, comedic timing and knack of storytelling are second to none (‘Butter Outa Cream’). Tony Burge plays Carl Hanratty to a tee.  His experience in straight plays obviously helped in this role, however his vocal performance on ‘Don’t Break the Rules’ was a showstopper.  India Morris as Brenda Strong is a force to reckon with.  There was great chemistry between her and Woods in their heartfelt duet ‘Seven Wonders’.  Strong’s Act Two power ballad ‘Fly, Fly Away’ had the audience in tears.  Adrienne George, returning to CLOC after 15 years, is well cast as Paula Abagnale, the French wife of Frank Sr.  Her Edith Piaf inspired solo ‘Don’t Be a Stranger’ as well as her stage presence throughout was captivating. The three FBI Agents played by Bryce Dunn (Agent Branton), Joshua Saunders (Agent Cod) and Daniel Steer (Agent Dollar) were a hoot!  Their sarcastic one liners and comedic banter stole the show on many occasions.  My favourite song of the night was the exuberant ‘Family Tree’, performed superbly by Ellen Lane (Carol Strong), Tom Morley (Roger Strong) and the entire cast.   

After the bows I was pleasantly thrilled that the audience showed their respect to the orchestra by sitting quietly in the dark listening to the exit music.  Ecstatic cheering and applause followed.  That’s not something you see every day!  

Director Richard Perdriau and CLOC’s creative team, cast and orchestra are to be congratulated in producing another show worthy of a sold-out season!  The run closes May 27.  

Catch It If You Can!

Jonathan Cox 

Images:  Ben Fon Photography