Catch Me If You Can stylish and entertaining

Every kid creates his version of the American dream. But when a teenager works the system and pushes laws to the limit, it’s only a matter of time before he crashes and burns.

That’s what happens to Frank Abagnale Jr., a charismatic young man who bilked $2 million out of unsuspecting dupes while faking his way through life as a co-pilot for Pan Am, a supervising doctor in an emergency room and a lawyer in Orleans. All this happened before he was 21.

Presented in the MacEwan University musical Catch Me If You Can, which opened Thursday night at the John L. Haar Theatre, it’s a production that is jam-packed with splash and sparkle.

Despite the exuberant songs and high-energy acting, it comes across like a bottle of Mountain Dew – sweet and fizzy with minimal substance.

Most of the problem lies in the structure from Terence McNally’s book. It skims the surface of Frank’s life barely penetrating his humanity. This razzle dazzler celebrates fun, sex and a dash of danger at the expense of touching the heart. Unfortunately, you never really discover what makes a character tick.

But despite a lean script, Catch Me If You Can holds its own under the polished direction of Jim Guedo and the high-energy performances of 32 student actors.

The play starts with FBI agent Carl Hanratty cuffing Frank after a chase that spans five continents and thousands of miles. It immediately morphs into a 1960s variety show sustained by leggy chorus girls where Frank tells his side of the story.

Songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman use a song-and-dance format, a mish-mash of music from ’60s television variety shows that provide a musical flashback into Frank’s early life. But despite the blazing theatricality, most songs are a little light, like cooking on Teflon. Nothing sticks.

As Frank, St. Albert actor Jarrett Krissa has the most physically demanding role of a con artist who cannot disentangle himself from the past. Krissa exudes a debonair boyishness critical to the role of convincing audiences he is a master grifter on the lam.

Damon Pitcher as the sad sack, big-bellied agent Hanratty is a robust performer beautifully recreating an old man’s stooped shoulders and arthritic walk. Although in his early 20s, Pitcher’s mannerisms are quite convincing as a lone workaholic twice his age. He really comes to life in the showstopper Breaking All the Rules.

St. Albert actress Katrina Cox delivered a gentle performance as Brenda, Frank’s love and her solo Fly, Fly Away displays a bright, bold voice.

As the alcholic Frank Abagnale Sr., Josh Thayer had the opportunity to reveal his lush baritone pipes and was perfectly paired with Gianna Read’s (Paula Abagnale) gorgeous soprano voice.

Kudos to the live seven-piece orchestra that duplicates the ‘60s American Bandstand, and set and costume designer Melissa Cuerrier for a frothy tiered set and a never-ending parade of costumes.

Although Catch Me If You Can is fairly predictable, there are a few surprises that make the whole evening exciting and worthwhile.