Catch Me If You Can a captivating hit
A vibrant creative synergy between drama, music and dance resulted in a memorable theatrical production that thoroughly entertained audiences.
We all love a good story, and sometimes a little bending of the truth helps heighten the drama. Such is the case with Catch Me If You Can â a musical based on the real-life adventures of a masterful con artist, Frank Abagnale Jr. His life of crime and impersonation grew out of a broken home and a string of real escapades, yet much of what transpires in this story, like all great tales, has been embellished for entertainment.
His so-called âtrueâ accounts have been exaggerated to such an extent that journalists have spent years challenging his claims. Whether you view it as deception or storytelling, the fabulous Ian Bierer (VI) walks this fine line between truth and imagination beautifully, making it a joy to discover what is real amid the fiction.
Now in her tenth year at Grammar, the productionâs director, Ms Emily Kaufling, lavished high praise on the creative talent that brought Catch Me If You Can to life. âI am incredibly proud to have directed this musical â it was well worth the wait. School musicals are beasts, but along with musical director Mr Anthony Chen and choreographer Ms Jessica Powell Antonini, we have managed to tame this one. This journey with our amazing cast, band and crew has been such a memorable one and I cannot speak highly enough of their achievements.â
In a wonderful example of inter-school cooperation, the Grammar boys were joined on stage by girls from Ascham School, SCEGGS Darlinghurst, Kambala and Sydney Girls High School. They all contributed abundant vitality, ability and commitment to their roles and this fostered a marvellous sense of collaboration and camaraderie.
The music of Catch Me If You Can served to transport the audiences back to the legendary con artist days of the real Frank Abagnale Jr, through the variety of styles that were reminiscent of the big-band swing era and the rock-and-roll era of the 1950s and 1960s. Musical director Mr Anthony Chen commented on how the performers were able to embrace the songs that add so much colour and life to the story. âComposer Marc Shaiman created a score of entirely original songs for the musical and although these song styles sound accessible and familiar to a general audience, they have still provided wonderful challenges for our talented singers, both in the lead roles and ensemble.
âIt has been a thoroughly satisfying process to put together and perform and I congratulate all our wonderful cast, ensemble and band for their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication to this musical production. They have truly given their all and have never wavered from these qualities, even during the highs and lows of the numerous rehearsals. A special commendation must also go to the affable and talented Grammar boys in the Musical Band, to whom I am deeply grateful for the time and effort they have given to ensure the success of this show.â
Choreographer Ms Jessica Powell Antonini also expressed her excitement at the opportunity of working with the cast and applying her international experience to help them achieve such an entertaining piece of work. âFrom the moment I was approached to choreograph Catch Me If You Can at Sydney Grammar School, I felt an immediate sense of exhilaration and inspiration. This score is truly a dancerâs and choreographerâs dream â full of sharp musical accents, rich storytelling, and exceptional lyrics and compositions. What makes this stage production so special is what live theatre does best: bringing the story to life through music, movement, and the power of ensemble performance. The choreography and musicality drive the narrative in a way that is both dynamic and engaging.
âAs a choreographer, my aim has been to capture both the era and the storytelling through movement â hitting every musical accent, incorporating a range of dance styles, and focusing on precision, clarity, and energy. I am driven by a commitment to artistic integrity and excellence and bringing that standard into this production has been incredibly fulďŹlling.
âI am immensely proud of this cast and all they have achieved and I hope that audiences felt inspired and energised by their talent, dedication, and hard work.â
Congratulations to the boys and their inter-school compatriots on an outstanding performance.
Sydney Grammar School
College Street, Darlinghurst
NSW 2010 Australia
Phone: (02) 9332 5800
Edgecliff Preparatory School
Alma Street, Paddington
NSW 2021 Australia
Phone: (02) 9366 0100
St Ives Preparatory School
Ayres Rd, St Ives
NSW 2075 Australia
Phone: (02) 8302 5200
