The cast and crew of RMHS’ Catch Me If You Can have been hard at work bringing the spirited true story of con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. to life. The 2002 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks became widely popular soon after its release, and was transformed into a musical about a decade later that is now able to be performed by youth theater groups across the world.
As they took the stage for the first time this past weekend, cast member Devyn Ahlert (‘26) highlighted the electric opening number, “Don’t Break the Rules,” where the whole cast unites to start up the show, singing and dancing around FBI agent Carl Hanratty, played by Benjamin Goldlust (‘26).
Rehearsal Process
Ahlert explained the rigorous process the cast goes through from the start of auditions until everything’s up and running; “We start with music rehearsal with our amazing music director, Steve Sarro…and then we transition into choreography and scenic work in the [Performing Arts Center].” After many long days and late nights, these pieces start to fit together as scattered scenes and dance moves become one coherent production.
Behind the curtains, many students involved in the stage crew are working just as hard. Goldlust pointed out, “wardrobe has a particularly increased strain on their department, where each ensemble member has ten or more, up to 20 costumes throughout the show.” Another voice also noted that there are more than 1,000 different pieces and accessories throughout the entire show, putting immense responsibility on the wardrobe department to keep track of everything and ensure their part in such a great, big picture.
Behind the Scenes
As amazing as the cast looks on stage, that’s not all they do. Many of them are working double duty, like Jason Walsh (‘26) and Aiden Kiley (‘26), who designed many parts of the set themselves. Goldlust discussed how the finished product appears so sleek that many viewers don’t realize how much really goes into it. Ahlert agreed that select members have contributed “well above 50 hours of work individually into the set,” all outside of regular rehearsal times. So many design choices are intentionally built to look seamless, when in reality, it was a true labor of effort and love.
A Close-Up on Frank Abagnale
When it comes to the man that did it all, there’s no doubt that he’s got character. Aiden Kiley, performing as the lead role of Frank Abagnale, considers him as “conniving, sly, and charismatic,” also noticing the ways he takes on many other facets, such as his animated persona. Kiley describes how he feels that many don’t understand the true complexity and depth of the character, one that he’s had to discover and experiment with over the past few months before bringing it to stage. He goes on to note, “especially in the ’60s, femininity in men is not really seen a lot, but with Frank, especially in this role, he’s seen as cocky, fun, playful, and a lot of his character choices that I’ve made are very flamboyant and fun and overall just kind of comical. I love it.”
See For Yourself
Supporting local art is always worth it. The cast and crew have poured their time and hearts into making this the incredible event it is, and as Ahlert emphasized, “It’s a fabulous show.” Tickets can be bought online or in person for $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults.
This post was originally written for the RMHS newspaper The Orbit.
Sophie Karlskind is a junior at RMHS with a passion for writing, photography, fashion, and all things creative. Whether she’s capturing moments behind the camera, reporting for her school newspaper, or playing softball, she brings an easygoing, thoughtful energy to everything she does. Sophie’s work blends observant writing with a relaxed, confident style that reflects her curiosity about the world around her.