This spring Chester County residents should look forward to the Chester County High School Theatre’s musical production of “Catch Me If You Can.”
The musical retells the true story of Frank Abagnale, Jr., a teenager who runs away from home and becomes a millionaire through his check forgery schemes and successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer before finally being caught by FBI agent Carl Hanratty. It is a spectacular musical told from a 1960’s variety-show point of view full of amazing dance numbers and incredible music. The character of Frank Abagnale, Jr. is being played by Hunt Pipkin, and the role of Carl Hanratty will be filled by Ben Clayton. Other members of the cast are Cooper Bates, Islynn Burch, Zowie Campbell, Hannah Carroll, Josiah Cook, Ariel Faulkner, Alexandra Gaskin, Felicity Gaskin, Penelope Gaskin, Cobie Haltom, Haydn Haltom, Tylon Hill, Ben Hodges, Jalyn Huddleston, Braxton Johnson, Ken Kitchen, Lakelin Lemmings, Hudson Lewis, Presley McIllwain, Jacob Mutter, Ella Noles, Emma Noles, Izsabella Orchard, Cordaisha Reddick, Nathan Salvador, Alana Sanchez, Gracelyn Sanders, Cadence Weaver, Emma Williams, Jagger Young and Rhett Young. The technical team consists of Claire Cagle, Clayton Austin, Michaela Blansfield and John Frix.
“Catch Me If You Can,” licensed by Musical Theatre International, is expected to be another amazing production put on by the young actors and actresses of Chester County High School. The CCHS Theatre has produced a lot of young talent that has enabled students to continue their theater careers in college whether it is in acting, stage management, set design, make-up, etc.
Success of the program can also be seen from the results of the Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards every year. Chester County has been participating in this awards program for several years and has garnished many nominations.
Just last year, with 48 schools participating from across three states, Chester County had six nominations for their production of Freaky Friday, including a win for Outstanding Supporting Actor, Hunt Pipkin.
CCHS will be competing in the Orpheum Awards again this year.
Among the Catch Me If You Can cast are four past Orpheum Nominated students for acting and technical support. Adjudicated categories include costumes, hair and makeup, lighting, set, production materials, front of house, chorus, dance execution, collective ensemble performances, individual categories of lead actor/actress, supporting actor/actress, featured actor/actress, featured dancer, choreography, musical direction and overall director.
The winners of the Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress awards from the Memphis competition go on to compete in New York City at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, otherwise known as The Jimmy Awards. This program provides scholarships for young performers across the United States.
The dates and times of “Catch Me If You Can” are as follows: 7 p.m. April 5; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 6; 2 p.m. April 7; and 7 p.m. April 8, which is student night. CCHS student/faculty/staff admission is only $5 with presentation of school ID. All shows will be held at Williams Auditorium. Tickets will be available online at www.williamsauditorium.com or at the door. Prices are $15 for Reserved tickets and $12 for General Admission.
The show is directed by Jesse McCaskill. Carol Ann Williams is the musical director and choreographer. Michael Beecham serves as assistant to the directors. Lee Pipkin is set, costume and prop director.
Many other Chester County Theatre parents will contribute countless volunteer hours to help make the show a success.
If you or your business would like to support this production and CCHS Theatre, patron sponsorships are still available for this season. Sponsorship levels are available as follows:
Platinum $500+ = full page program ad and eight tickets
Gold $300 = full page program ad and six tickets
Silver $200 = half page program ad and four tickets
Bronze $100 = quarter page program ad and two tickets
Friends of CCHS Theatre $50 = name in program
Pictured above is the cast of Chester County High School Theater’s production of “Catch Me If You Can” as they rehearse one afternoon.
