The lights shine on in Merrillville’s Reinhart Auditorium as Ross Summer Music Theatre produces their 57th musical: “Catch Me If You Can.”
Based on a true story and the 2002 DreamWorks film, “Catch Me If You Can” portrays the life of Frank Abagnale: a professional con artist who thrives in his adventurous, but criminal lifestyle. From pilot to lawyer to doctor, Abagnale is living the dream; that is until he makes some unexpected bonds that flip his choice of lifestyle upside down, leaving him questioning himself as a person. This classic production takes audiences on a rollercoaster of emotion through high-energy dance numbers, witty conversations, and tear-jerking character connections.
Director Michael Reinhart has dedicated himself to performing, designing, and directing shows, bringing entertainment to Merrillville for years.
“We chose ‘Catch Me If You Can’ because it is something no one else has done in this area,” Reinhart said. “We love to premiere a show. In the past, we premiered ‘BIG,’ ‘Leap of Faith,’ and ‘Memphis’ as well. It is also a smaller cast, and with COVID-19, that was an important element. Above all, it’s a great show.”
The cast and crew began their rehearsal process at the beginning of June, leaving them just seven weeks to construct the entire set, create dozens of elaborate costumes, and learn nearly two and a half hours of song, dance, and dialogue.
“I had to come to terms with my lack in dancing skills that needed a good chunk of TLC,” Jacob Herr, playing the role of Roger Strong, said. “As an actor, my skill was acquired working more in productions of straight dramas than musicals. I'm certainly no stranger to musicals, but in the dancing department, I'm no Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly. Our show has amazing choreographers who coordinated the dances and taught me tremendously.”
Herr is a first-year performer with Ross Summer Music Theatre but is more than familiar with the stage. He graduated from Butler University with a B.A. in Theatre, and worked out of Indianapolis in productions from playwrights such as Shakespeare, Anton Chekov, and Bertolt Brecht. While this show may be slightly outside of his comfort zone, he has enjoyed every bit of it.
“My favorite part of the rehearsal process has been the opportunity to work and learn alongside a group of wonderfully talented people who make up both the cast and crew,” Herr said. “The bonds and friendships made share a sentimentality on par with a family coming together for the holidays. It's that special, because those memories stick with you as an actor, even as you move on to the next opportunity.”
The amount of time and dedication that goes into the production of a show often goes unrecognized. The cast and crew have worked tirelessly, bringing forth their A-game to create a flawless final product.
“As a community theatre show, it requires lots of effort and commitment from everyone involved to make the show a success; be it from volunteering your time to help build the set on weekends to driving across multiple towns in the Region to help distribute posters and publicly promote the show,” Herr said. “Whether or not the work will pay off all depends on what the audience thinks. Only by watching them laugh, cry, and applaud will we know for certain.”
The show will take place at Reinhart Auditorium (located in Merrillville High School) on July 23, 24, 30, and 31 at 7:30 p.m. and on July 25 and August 1 at 3 p.m. Adult tickets are $12 and Seniors and Students are $11. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/m-and-m-productions/catch-me-if-you-can-72239.
Reinhart encourages people from across the Region to come enjoy yet another production that he feels blessed to be a part of, but also that carries great significance to Ross Summer Music Theatre as a whole.
“It’s a great story based on true events, taken from a terrific movie and includes some really fun music,” Reinhart said. “Add to that gigantic sets, huge production numbers, some cool effects, and a phenomenal cast. It is also the show we are dedicating to our amazing founders: Jerauld and Margilee Reinhart. This is the first time in 57 years that we have not had either of our founders involved, but we hope to honor their legacy for years to come.”