Slow Burn Theatre Company Soars Into New Season With Catch Me If You Can

By Joanie Cox Henry

Photo By Larry Marano

It's plane to see why Catch Me If You Can: The Musical that proves Slow Burn Theatre Company remains a jewel in South Florida's theatrical jet set! Running through October 26 at the Broward Center's Amaturo Theater, this jazz-infused spectacle is pure theatrical adrenaline from curtain up to final bow.

Director Patrick Fitzwater has crafted a sleek, sophisticated production that captures both the glamorous sheen and emotional core of Frank Abagnale Jr.'s extraordinary true story. The pacing never flags as this cat-and-mouse thriller unfolds with the precision of a perfectly executed con.

Jarod Bakum is nothing short of sensational as Frank Abagnale Jr., embodying the swagger and vulnerability of a teenager running from himself as much as from the law. Bakum navigates the Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman score with vocal prowess and charismatic bravado that makes you root for this lovable criminal even as he's committing federal offenses. His transformation from suburban kid to international con artist is both hilarious and heartbreaking.

Ben Sandomir delivers a precise performance  in comic timing as the dogged FBI agent Carl Hanratty, perfectly balancing the character's obsessive determination with surprising warmth. The dynamic between Bakum and Sandomir crackles with energy, creating a fascinating relationship that evolves from adversarial to oddly paternal.

The supporting cast shines brilliantly. Matthew Korinko and Jeanine Levy bring devastating poignancy to Frank's fabulously flawed parents, while Samy Berman captivates as Brenda Strong, infusing the role with intelligence and genuine feeling that elevates their romance beyond a mere plot device. Michael Cartwright's Roger Strong provides the perfect mix of authority and approachability.

Cat Pagano's choreography is dynamite—sharp, period-perfect movement that evokes the show's 1960s setting while maintaining contemporary energy. Paul Tine's music direction brings out every jazzy riff and sophisticated harmony in Shaiman and Wittman's brilliant score. The ensemble moves like a well-oiled machine, transforming seamlessly from airline passengers to nurses to wedding guests with infectious enthusiasm.

Nikolas Serrano's scenic design and Eric Norbury's lighting create a world of constant motion and transformation, while Rick Peña's costumes are a feast of mid-century style and whimsy.

Terrence McNally's book balances hilarity with heartache, and this production honors both elements beautifully. Catch Me If You Can is theatrical entertainment of the highest order—smart, stylish, and utterly irresistible. Slow Burn Theatre does it again. Don't let this one get away. Catch it if you can!

Tickets are available at https://www.browardcenter.org/subscriptions/2025-2026-slow-burn-theatre-company-season or click here.

The 2025/2026 Slow Burn season continues with “Disney’s Frozen,” December 13 – January 4; “Beautiful, The Carole King Musical” February 14 - March 1; “Hairspray” April 11 – 26; and “Alanis Morisette’s Jagged Little Pill: The Musical” June 13 – 28.

The MD Now® Slow Burn Theatre Co. 2025/2026 Season is presented by United Community Bank. For more on this theater, visit https://slowburntheatre.org/.

Photos By Larry Marano:

Here are some images I capture from opening night!