Caught In the Act

Eloise Evans, Shirley Zellmer, Merritt David Janes (Agent Hanratty), Diane Silvers,
Angela Monroe, Stephen Anthony (Frank Abagnale, Jr.), Jeanne Curry, Brooke Walker
and Aubrey Mae Davis (Brenda).

Three stars from CATCH ME IF YOU CAN were caught backstage at Segerstrom Center for the Arts after a rousingly successful opening night. Intercepting them and welcoming them aboard the Segerstrom Center Broadway Series were former Pan Am flight attendants in uniform. 

Eloise Evans, Brooke Walker, Jeanne Curry, Angela Monroe, Shirley Zellmer and Diane Silvers.

The show continues through Sunday, June 30. To learn more about the show, please visit our online Revue magazine at www.SCFTA.org/Revue.

Catch Jerry Mitchell's Tony Award-Winning Dance Moves

The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN tour company. © Carol Rosegg

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN follows the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr. who became one of the foremost forgers and scam artists in the world between the ages of 16 and 21. In 2002, his fascinating life story inspired the creation of Steven Spielberg’s feature film, but those who have only seen the movie are in for a surprise. The musical takes on a whole new angle and characterizes it as a television spectacular, paying tribute to the golden days of television. 

Part of the vision was constructed by choreographer Jerry Mitchell, who recently won the 2013 Tony Award® for Best Choreography with Kinky Boots. For Mitchell, a self-described “fan of the ’60s,” the opportunity to choreograph some sexy numbers in the style of that decade was irresistible. “To me, great choreography is about nailing the period and telling the story and making it exciting,” he says. “But I don’t just research the dances of the period; I research the period in general. In this case, I read Frank’s autobiography, and watched a video in which he gives a 45-minute talk about his life. I also got a lot of visual stimulation from our set designer, David Rockwell, who does these inspirational boards." 

He was also influenced by many 1960s television shows. “The opening number, ‘Live in Living Color,’ hearkens back to the Mitzi Gaynor specials that had big, splashy opening numbers,” says Mitchell. “There’s a number in the second act called ‘Doctor’s Orders’ that’s sort of one part 'Laugh-In' and one part Dean Martin’s dance troupe. And another big number was inspired by 'The Mitch Miller Show.'” 

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN flies into Segerstrom Hall from June 25 – 30. Catch it while you can and learn more about the show in our online Revue magazine at www.SCFTA.org/Revue.

Q&A with Amanda Braun of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN tour company. © Carol Rosegg

CATCH ME IF YOU CAN, the high-flying Broadway musical that captures the astonishing true story of con artist Frank Abagnale, Jr., will make its final stop at Segerstrom Hall from June 25 - 30. We've invited cast member Amanda Braun to join us on Center Scene to reflect on some of her favorite moments with the show and to tell us why Orange County will love CATCH ME.

Nice to meet you! Please tell us your name and role in CATCH ME IF YOU CAN.
Hi! My name is Amanda Braun and I am in the ensemble of CATCH ME IF YOU CAN!

What do you love about the show? 
There are so many things I love about the show. The way the story is told through the music is very clever and heart-warming. It's a very lively show with a great score. I also love the dancing of course - it is a blast!

What do you think Orange County will love most?
I always say CATCH ME puts a modern appeal on a classical Broadway show. You have a variety of musical numbers from cute and energetic to sultry and sexy. Orange County will be in for a surprise when they see this beautiful show, and will be totally entertained by the story, the music and the dancing.

Do you have a favorite moment to watch and/or perform?
That's a hard one! My favorite moments have changed a couple of times throughout the course of performing the show. I'd have to say my favorite song right now is "Don't Break The Rules" because of the intensity of the song as well as the choreography.

Can you tell us about your most memorable stop and why?
I loved visiting Denver and Chicago. Both of those cities were exciting and there was a lot to do! We were in hotels right in the downtown area, and for two weeks, which really gives you a feeling of getting to know the area, the people and the sights. But I bet Costa Mesa will be a new favorite too!

The CATCH ME IF YOU CAN tour company. © Carol Rosegg

Now that the show is nearing its end of the run, what will you miss the most?
Oh boy! There is so much I will miss about my tour experience. The cast and crew have become my second family. We have spent so much time together and have shared so many fun memories. Many friendships I will now have forever and always cherish! CATCH ME IF YOU CAN means so much to me, as I always wanted to have the opportunity to be in this show's cast, and it's been fantastic! Not performing in CATCH ME every night will definitely be missed!

What are you most looking forward to after the tour? 
My sister is getting married at the end of the summer so I am definitely looking forward to that! And of course spending time with my family, and catching up with my friends!

Do you have any final thoughts or reflections? What did you learn from the show? 

This tour has definitely been one of the best experiences of my life. It gave me the opportunity to travel the country and see how different and beautiful every state is. This show has taught me how important it is to take care of yourself so that you can give each and every audience a special performance to remember. Our job is to make an impact on that audience. When I see someone out there having a great time, I know I am doing my job and that is why I love it so much!

Thank you, Amanda! We look forward to seeing you in the show.

Catch it now before it closes. To learn more about CATCH ME IF YOU CAN and to purchase tickets, please visit www.SCFTA.org. 

Frank Abagnale, Jr.: The Real Story Behind CATCH ME IF YOU CAN

Catch Me If You Can stars Merritt David Janes, left, and Stephen Anthony,
right, meet Frank Abagnale, Jr.

Frank Abagnale, Jr. is an expert on fraud, scams, deception and beating the system. Between the ages of 16 and 21, he forged and cashed $2.5 million worth of bad checks in the United States and 26 other countries, while successfully passing himself off as an airline pilot for Pan Am, a doctor, a college professor and a lawyer. He was ultimately caught, as he always knew he would be, and served time in French, Swedish and American prisons.  

The Catch Me If You Can tour company. © Carol Rosegg

Abagnale’s life on the lam is the most entertaining part of his story – but it’s not the best part. Since leaving his life of crime, he has used his knowledge as a counterfeiter and scam artist to stop criminals and protect law-abiding citizens, initially working with the FBI – which was part of his parole agreement – and then by developing a host of fraud prevention programs that are used by more than 14,000 financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies.

Abagnale works with the FBI to this day, and became lifelong friends with the agent who relentlessly pursued him, Joseph Shea – known as Carl Hanratty in the movie and the musical – who died in 2005. He has his own business, Abagnale & Associates, a security consulting firm, and is considered to be a leading authority in the field. He is a dynamic, much sought-after lecturer, and a self-made millionaire – legitimately. 

The Catch Me If You Can tour company. © Carol Rosegg

He lives with his past every day, and, although three presidents have offered to pardon him, he has turned them down. “I truly believe that a piece of paper cannot excuse my actions. I don’t think it works that way. I made some mistakes in my life and I have to live with them. I know people are fascinated by what I did between the ages of 16 and 21. But what amazes me is where my life went when I came out of prison. I try to do the right thing, and I hope that in the end I’ll be judged for that.”

Catch Us At Macy's South Coast Plaza

The Catch Me If You Can Tour Company  © Carol Rosegg

During their “American Icons Celebration of The People, Places and Things We Love,” Macy’s South Coast Plaza is promoting the June 25 – 30 engagement of Catch Me If You Can at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Now through Monday, catch the CMIYC display located just inside the Jewel Court entrance to Macy’s. Take your photo near the three authentic Pan Am flight attendant uniforms from the glory days AND enter to win tickets to Catch Me If You Can. Be sure to share your photos with us via Twitter and Instagram @SegerstromArts using #CatchMeOC.

Macy's South Coast Plaza Catch Me If You Can display