Hernando High School Theater Department’s Catch Me if You Can premiered Friday, November 8th and closed its curtains for the last time Sunday the 17th. Viewers across the district can all agree that between the costumes, set design, and cast themselves, the show was a hit.
Something about this show that stuck out was the ensemble’s ability to adapt to their quick changes. In the middle of an act, or even a song, they would change from one outfit to another in a short minute. One moment, the cast was dressed in ’60s-inspired dresses, but just a quick trip behind the curtain and they were out in their jet-set flight attendant uniforms. It was awe-inspiring. The costumes themselves were equally impressive, with vibrant 60-inspired designs that fully captured the groovy, far-out nature of the time. From the put-together FBI suits and stealthy costumes of Abagnale’s disguises to the poofy, pastel dresses worn by Brenda, these creative designs helped immerse the viewer in the era and draw them into deception and intrigue.
As well as the costumes and quick changes, the set design stood out for its adaptable simplicity and creative use of space. In several scenes, actors were positioned over the stairs, creating a visual sense of distance as they peered over the action below. This essentially allowed the viewer to be in two places at once, following the paths of both Frank Abagnale Jr. and Detective Hanratty until they came together. This design allowed for efficient shifts between the many settings of this production. It emphasized the constant cat-and-mouse chase between the two characters through the dynamic use of height and distance, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
A pivotal part of this show is the connection between the two leading roles, Frank Abagnale Jr. And Carl Hanratty. Within the musical, the two share a cat-and-mouse chase where Frank’s intelligence and deception keeps Carl in a constant state of dismay. Both actors display this chase as a comedic duo that viewers get attached to instantly. As the end approaches, more layers of their relationship are revealed, and the audience sees they both share a theme of loneliness and respect for each other’s wit and determination. The actors chosen to play these characters portrayed this relationship so clearly from the time they walked onto stage to their final bow. There is no doubting the director’s choice of casting.
Although Catch Me if You Can will no longer be performing at Hernando’s Performing Arts Center, viewers will still be buzzing about its highlights. The show had everyone in the theater glued from beginning to end and wishing for more after the curtains closed. We cannot wait to see Hernando Theater’s next production unfold.
