Severna Park High School Drama Department Invites Audiences To “Catch Me If You Can”

In a story that epitomizes the saying “fact is stranger than fiction,” Severna Park High School’s (SPHS) drama department will present “Catch Me If You Can: The Musical” from November 8-16.

The production is based on the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., an infamous con artist who operated in the 1960s. The show opens in an airport where, after several years of pursuit, FBI agent Carl Hanratty has captured Abagnale. At the time of his arrest, Abagnale had been pretending to be an airline pilot, one of the many personas he had assumed over his career of crime.

Eager to share his story, Abagnale engages the audience with his version of the events that have led to his arrest. Drew Kessler, who plays Frank Abagnale Jr., explained how many components of the production combine to tell Abagnale’s story. “I am excited for people to see the songs and dances that the cast has worked hard to learn, and the set that the crew has dedicated so much of their time to building,” Drew said.

Abagnale’s story begins when, as a teenager, he decides to run away from home. Seeking adventure, he assumes a variety of characters: an airplane pilot, a doctor and a lawyer, among others. The show follows Abagnale’s life, including his stint as a doctor, during which he falls in love with, and becomes engaged to, one of the nurses with whom he is working. Fearing his imminent arrest, Abagnale flees shortly before his engagement party. Agent Hanratty tricks Abagnale’s fiancé into telling him where Abagnale has gone. The story returns to where it began, in the airport where Abagnale is ultimately arrested. Abagnale is tried and sentenced to 15 years in prison. He is released after serving seven years, and he joins forces with Hanratty and the FBI to capture other con artists.

The cast members have enjoyed working on the show and are eager for opening night to arrive. “It’s been a really fun experience,” said Kaelin Tufo, member of the ensemble. “The music is challenging but in a super awesome way, and the choreography is all so fun.”

Many people have contributed to the success of the show. Andrew Gordon leads choreography, Emily Sergo is the band director, and Michael Brisentine is the music director. Alex Stavrevski, who plays Frank Abagnale Sr., credited the directors for their commitment to producing a great show.

“I really enjoy working with the directors because they have all worked so hard to put this show together, and you’re going to love it!” Alex said.

The production will be held at SPHS’ auditorium. The November 8, 9,15 and 16 shows will begin at 7:00pm. On November 16, there will also be a matinee at 2:00pm. The November 10 and 16 shows are matinees and will begin at 2:00pm. Tickets are $15 per adult and $10 per child, and are available at www.gofan.co/app/school/MD9637_1.

Theater In The Park

Severna Park High School is partnering with Theater in the Park, which has several ties to the students and staff working on the musical. The daughter of Theater in the Park owner Jennifer Lee, Kylie Sjolie, is the director. Not only is Brisentine the music director of "Catch Me If You Can" but he also works at Theater in the Park, and the musical's music director, Sergo also works at Theater in the Park.

Lee named students Violet Thompson, Maeve Tressler, Destiny Felder and Kaitlyn Knowles as Severna Park drama program members who worked as creative director assistants at Theater in the Park this season.

“It’s been really fun being a part of the high school production,” Lee said. “Many of the high school student performers have come through our program and some of them still work for us as well.”