Catch Me If You Can: The Musical 2026 Season
Based on the incredible true story and hit film, Catch Me If You Can is the high-flying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. Nominated for four Tony awards, including Best Musical, this delightfully entertaining show was created by a Tony Award-winning “dream team,” with a book by Terrence McNally (The Full Monty, Ragtime) and a swinging score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (Hairspray).
Book your audition now!
Creative Team
Director
Alistair Davies
Assistant Director
Stacey O’Brien
Musical Director
Emma Salzano
Assistant Musical Director
Skye Lynch
Choreographer
Stacey Neale
Plot Summary
Seeking fame and fortune, precocious teenager, Frank Abagnale, Jr., runs away from home to begin an unforgettable adventure. With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, Frank successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer – living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams. When Frank’s lies catch the attention of FBI agent, Carl Hanratty, Carl pursues Frank across the country to make him pay for his crimes.
Content: Catch Me If You Can includes depictions of alcoholism, includes prop guns, and loud noises (i.e., jet engines and gunshots).
Characters
Frank Abagnale, Jr.
Our story’s conniving protagonist, he is a handsome and youthful con artist. Grew up learning to disappear into another skin to avoid his problems. He eventually falls in love with Brenda and desperately tries to change his ways.
Content: Must be comfortable with simulated physical intimacy: (i.e kissing)
Carl Hanratty
An FBI agent leading the investigation and search for Frank Jr.. A knowledgeable and habitual workaholic who idolises the moment he catches his perp. Lives a private life of loneliness and depression.
Frank Abagnale, Sr.
Frank Jr.’s father. He is an inspiration when it comes to swindling. Upbeat and fast-talking, he undergoes a series of progressive failures that leaves him a miserable drunk.
Paula Abagnale
Frank Jr.’s gorgeous mother. She met Frank Sr. in France, during the war, but has fallen out of love. Caring and loving, with an underlying resentment toward her husband and son.
Brenda Strong
A young nurse and Frank Jr.’s eventual love interest. Hard-working and initially insecure, she meets Frank Jr. after running away from a wedding. Comes to trust him but his true identity clouds her feelings.
Content: Must be comfortable with simulated physical intimacy: (i.e kissing)
Carol Strong / Ensemble
Brenda’s traditional mother. She is talkative and boisterous.
Roger Strong / Ensemble
Brenda’s conservative father. He is stern and interrogatory, but reveals himself to be deeply romantic.
Ensemble
There are various ensemble roles, including many named minor characters that Frank encounters through his escapades as a conman. This includes Stewardesses, Pilots, FBI Agents, Showgirls, Dancers, Doctors and Nurses.
We are looking to cast a diverse and dynamic ensemble who will each fulfil various of the above roles.
Key Dates
Auditions will be held at Toi Poneke on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 October with call backs on Sunday evening as required.
Catch Me If You Can will be performed at the Gryphon Theatre from 8-18 April 2026. Please note that all cast will be required over the Easter weekend for technical rehearsals
Kauri Theatre 