The new musical, which was originally scheduled to begin previews July 23, delayed performances through July 28 due to the murder of Teresa Butz, sister to Tony-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz, who stars in the Broadway-bound musical.
In Butz's memory, 5th Avenue Theatre has announced that $5 from each ticket sold for the Aug. 5 performance of Catch Me If You Can will benefit the Compass Center, a non-profit agency serving homeless and low income individuals and families in the greater Seattle area, of which Butz was a board member.
Directed by Jack O'Brien with choreography by Jerry Mitchell, Catch Me If You Can features a score by Tony-winning Hairspray songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, with a book by Tony winner Terrance McNally (Kiss of the Spider Woman, Ragtime, Master Class).
The musical stars Norbert Leo Butz as FBI Fraud Agent Carl Hanratty, Aaron Tveit as Frank, Tom Wopat as Frank Sr., Kerry Butler as Brenda, Linda Hart as Carol, Rachel deBenedet as Paula, Nick Wyman as Roger and Felicia Finley as Cherll Ann.
The ensemble includes Matt Wolfe, Timothy Piggee, Tod Branton, Clarke Thorell, Brandon Wardell, Angie Schworer, Romelda Benjamin, Anastica McClesky, Taryn Darr, Shanna Palmer, Jillana Laufner, Kyle Vaughn, Mo Brady, Jason Kappus, Karl Warden, Nikki Long and David Alewine. Based on the DreamWorks film of the same name and the autobiography by Frank Abagnale Jr. and Stan Redding, the musical is described as "the unbelievable yet true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a sexy young con artist who posed, and was employed, as a doctor, lawyer and Pan Am pilot all before he was 21. Carl Hanratty, a middle-aged bored FBI agent, comes alive when assigned to catch this charming swindler whose check-forging skills have netted him more than $2.8 million. The battle of wills intensifies as they become curious about one another and begin to question what they're each chasing in their own lives."
The production has scenic design by Tony nominee David Rockwell, costume design by Bob Mackie, lighting design by Tony Award winner Kenneth Posner and music direction by John McDaniel.
The Seattle engagement continues through Aug. 16. Tickets are available by phoning (206) 625-1900 or by visiting 5thAvenue.
