‘Catch Me If You Can’ @ Garland Summer Musicals
Photos courtesy of Garland Summer Musicals
—Carol M. Rice
The story of the real Frank William Abagnale Jr. is so unbelievable, it’s hard to believe that the man really exists. While he acknowledges that some of the events in his autobiography might be exaggerated, he’s never admitted which ones—and I personally prefer to believe in the idea of the legendary con man.
Catch Me If You Can was not only the name of Abagnale’s autobiography, it also inspired a 2002 film and a musical with a book by Terrence McNally, music by Marc Shaiman, and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman. Garland Summer Musicals’ production of Catch Me If You Can is now playing at the Granville Arts Center and is a high-energy, super-fun romp!
Gideon Ethridge is captivating as Frank Abagnale Jr. He has the charisma to be completely believable as a runaway teenager who can talk (and in this case, sing) his way into any situation well beyond his years. He does an amazing job throughout, but especially with the songs “Life in Living Color” and “Goodbye.”
As Frank’s nemesis FBI Agent Carl Hanratty, Brian Gonzales gives a powerful, nuanced performance. His gruff, business-like exterior is just a front, and we get to see the layers peel away on his quest to track down the young con man. Gonzales has a commanding singing voice coupled with excellent stage presence. He and Ethridge made a great team, and he obviously has fun with his trio of underling FBI agents, played by Harrison Shaw, Will Mills, and Dylan Ciminna.
Frank’s parents are beautifully portrayed by Aaron Gallagher and Christine Phelan. Gallagher has more stage time as Abagnale Sr. and gives us more than a glimpse into Frank’s inspiration to be a fast talker and liar. He has great father-son chemistry with Ethridge, and his increasing drunkenness as the show progresses is impressive and sad. His duet “Little Boy, Be a Man” with Gonzales is a highlight of the show.
Phelan makes every moment count as Paula Abagnale. From her sophisticated bearing and French accent to her graceful dancing, her character is aloof yet caring. While she doesn’t have the chemistry with Ethridge that Gallagher does, she really isn’t supposed to, which makes her performance even more exquisite.
Frank’s girlfriend/fiancée Brenda Strong, played by Riley Martens, really comes into the show too late (this is a problem with the book, not her performance), but her solo “Fly, Fly Away” is well worth the wait.
Director Patty Granville has done a phenomenal job casting not only the leads but the talented ensemble of triple threats. She and choreographer Kelly McCain make them seem like a cast of thousands, greatly aided by an army of stunning costumes by Michael A. Robinson and Dallas Costume Shoppe. McCain’s choreography beautifully utilizes Rodney Dobbs’ multi-level set, and Jason S. Foster lights it all perfectly. Robin Daffinee Coulonge’s props are period appropriate and integrate nicely into the scenes.
Music direction is by Scott A. Eckert, who also serves as the conductor of the incredible orchestra. Kudos to Garland Summer Musicals for going full out and not skimping on the musicians! Eckert also has ensured that the vocals are strong throughout, and sound designer Jay Hogg and technical director Amanda Gonzalez are to be commended for making sure we can hear it all.
Garland Summer Musicals’ Catch Me If You Can is splashy and fun. The story is creatively told and well-directed, and the cast is top-notch. This is the perfect summer musical.
WHEN: July 18-27, 2025
WHERE: Granville Arts Center, 300 N. Fifth Street, Garland TX
WEB: garlandsummermusicals.org
