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.

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.”