Catch me If you Can

“I came to Catch Me If You Can just to enjoy it and did not plan on reviewing it. However, this tuneful telling of the life of con man extraordinaire Frank Abagnale, Jr…is so well staged by Runway Theatre, I had to memorialize it.” - Doug Sturdivant, DFW Center Stage

Director’s Notes

When I first approached Catch Me If You Can, I was immediately drawn to its sleek, high-energy world—the swinging ‘60s, neon lights, and non-stop movement. But beyond the dazzle and spectacle, I saw something more: a story brimming with heart. Too often, this show leans heavily into its camp and flash, leaving the emotional core behind. My goal with this production was to strike the perfect balance—to celebrate the era’s iconic aesthetic while ensuring the heart of the story shines just as brightly.

At its core, Catch Me If You Can isn’t just a story of cons and cat-and-mouse chases; it’s about a young man desperately searching for belonging, love, and identity. Frank Abagnale Jr.’s journey isn’t just thrilling—it’s deeply human. His choices, while larger than life, come from a place of longing, and I wanted to make sure our audience felt that as much as they felt the rush of the chase.

Visually, we leaned into the bold, colorful world of the 1960s, embracing the show’s inherent sense of fun while staying grounded in the story’s emotional weight. The music and movement pulse with the spirit of the time, but at every turn, we aimed to anchor it all with genuine connections between characters. Frank’s charm, Brenda’s sincerity, Carl’s determination—these are the elements that give this show its soul.