Park’s People is prepared to keep you updated on what your peers are thinking and feeling about current events within our school. This column thrives off of peer involvement and I encourage you to reach out to me wherever you can find me. If you have passionate opinions about the state of our school, do not hesitate to let me know what you think should be featured next.
I’d like to start off this article by congratulating the cast and crew of the amazing show Catch Me If You Can. While I unfortunately could not interview everyone, this inside look at your experiences makes the show all the more special.
Today’s people in the park are as listed:
Brett Barthelemy, a perceptive and passionate musical theater major from Hopewell.
Sydney Ciencin, a musical theater major from Hopewell with an unwavering positive outlook.
Ava Bardakos, a personable and kind-hearted musical theater major from Shaler.
Tristian Heavner, a musical theater major from Baden with a dedicated nature.
Why did you want to be a part of telling the story Catch Me If You Can?
Heavner: I wanted to be a part of Catch Me If You Can because I love the music from the show of course, but I also love the story. It’s based off a true story about someone named Frank Abagnale Jr. who faked his way into becoming a pilot, doctor and lawyer.
Ciencin: I think I wanted to be apart [sic] of the cast of Catch Me If You Can because this story is so touching and beautiful. Sure, Frank is a conman but really, he just wants his family to be together and happy. This show is really showing what one would do for the people they love. The way the show really brings in those themes of love, determination, and loyalty through the amazing musical numbers is just the epitome of musical theater.
Bardakos: Honestly because it is just fun. The atmosphere this incredible cast and crew has created has been nothing short of wonderful. There are so many moments in this show where I just can’t stop laughing.
Barthelemy: It’s such a dynamic show to perform. There’s so many fantastic up beat dance numbers that are then followed by beautiful and meaningful ballads. The message that I hope the audience leaves with is if you have one person that believes in you, anything is possible.
What number do you objectively think is the best? On the other hand, what’s your favorite number?
Barthelemy: I would say as far as the most entertaining and flashy number, I would give it to the song Jet Set. My two favorite numbers to perform are Butter Outta Cream and Goodbye. Both show the humanity within Frank Jr.
Ciencin: The best number in the show is objectively Jet Set. It’s one of our big group numbers that features the majority of the cast and it shows Frank stepping into his first of many “roles” throughout the show. My personal favorite is the Act 2 opener, Doctors Orders! The song is so fun to sing and it’s the first time my character, Brenda, and Frank meet.
Heavner: I feel like our best number is The Pinstripes Are All That They See which is a song with our principal (Frank Jr.) and his father (Frank Sr.) and it blows me away everytime [sic]. My favorite number is Don’t Break the Rules just because it’s just so much fun and really wakes everyone up.
Bardakos: I think the best number (and my favorite) in the show is Don’t Break the Rules. It really captures the essence of the show. It’s high energy and highly entertaining.
How did you feel when receiving mail from Frank W. Abagnale regarding the play you are a part of?
Barthelemy: I think it’s incredible that Frank W. Abagnale recognized our work. It was rewarding to hear nice words of appreciation from the real life guy. I’m excited to share his story in this musical.
Ciencin: I was completely elated when we received the letter from Frank Abagnale! It was so surreal and hearing that we are putting on a show that Frank himself loves is just such an inspiration to the whole cast.
Do you have any momentous that you’d like to keep from your time in this show?
Bardakos: I would absolutely love to take home the sunglasses I wear as Cheryl Anne. They make me feel like a movie star every time i put them on.
Barthelemy: The cast has made this process so enjoyable. Being able to create magic with this group of people has been wonderful. Top notch cast and people!
As Catch Me If You Can is wrapping up it’s time at Lincoln Park, the show may be gone, but it will never be forgotten if the cast and crew can help it. All your support as audience members of the show and readers of this article has made this moment in our school’s play history all the better. To all the people of Lincoln Park, or Park’s People, if you don’t mind my not so subtle branding, I wish you all the best.
