Hello and Welcome from Marriott Theatre!

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Please read all audition information before submitting! Video submissions will be due December 20th at 11:59pm CT (this is a 2 day extension from the original due date of December 18th). Please submit your audition material via our AIRTABLE FORM. Videos must be received as an UNLISTED Youtube link or Vimeo link.  All performers regardless of union status are welcome to submit. Local Chicagoland performers are STRONGLY encouraged to submit.

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Callbacks: In person callbacks will be held in Lincolnshire, IL during the days of January 13th -January 15th. Please indicate on the audition form if you are not available during those days. 

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All cast members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to appear at an in-person callback and be cast in the show. “Fully vaccinated,” as defined by the CDC, is more than 14 calendar days following receipt of a final dose of an FDA or World Health Organization authorized or approved vaccine. 

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Production Dates

First Rehearsal - August 7th, 2025

First Preview - August 27th, 2025

Press - September 3rd, 2025

Close - October 19, 2025

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Catch Me If You Can Creative Team / Who Will View Submissions 

Jessica Fisch (She/Her) - Director

Deidre Goodwin (She/Her) - Choreographer 

Ryan T. Nelson (He/Him) - Music Director

Peter Blair (He/Him) - Producer

Peter Sullivan (He/Him) - Artistic Director

Katie Johanningman (She/Her) - Associate Artistic Director

Kavin Moore, CSA (He/They) - Artistic Coordinator

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DIRECTOR’S NOTE:

Catch Me if You Can is perhaps best known for its aviator-wearing protagonist, catchy songs, and a cascade of flight attendants. While this production will certainly deliver on that premise, I’m also looking forward to revisiting this material with fresh eyes. Catch Me if You Can is a show about “the chase.” Its characters spend the play giving chase, looking to capture: love, independence, runaway children, long-lost dreams, women, criminal masterminds, and a persona that lets you hide who you really are. It’s a musical comedy with a surprising underbelly of sadness and disappointment.

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As you embark on these materials, I’d ask you to disentangle yourself from the versions of this story you might know from before, the movie, the musical, or the soundtrack, and try to find your own authentic way into this material. I am on the hunt for curious, thoughtful actors who love a challenge as much as I do and are excited to play!

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Casting Note: Kavin Moore, CSA

Our goal is to create a warm and welcoming casting process. The team strives to lead with respect, kindness, and generosity. In regard to the character descriptions – they outline the characters as described in the script and in consultation with the creative team. They do not aim to be all-encompassing representations of who might fill these roles. We aim for an expansive and deliberate casting process. We acknowledge that the characters in the script are traditionally presented as either male or female (using he/him or she/her pronouns). We warmly welcome submissions from individuals who identify as gender non-conforming, genderqueer, transgender, or non-binary for the roles that resonate most with their identity.

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Please reach out to Kavin Moore at Kavin.Moore@MarriottTheatre.com or 847-465-1326 ex. 1  if you have any questions or access needs.

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Character Breakdown 

ALL AUDITION MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND HERE

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FRANK ABAGNALE, JR. (He/Him, 20s, open to all ethnicities, Tenor G2-C5): 

An unlikely con artist whose charm, youth, and smarts help him to steal millions of dollars and avoid capture in 1960s America (based on a true story!). Inspired by the comic books and TV shows he is obsessed with, Frank escapes his problems by pretending to be someone else but remains deeply insecure. He eventually falls in love with Brenda and desperately tries to change his ways. Seeking a genuine triple threat!

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CARL HANRATTY (He/Him, 50s, open to all ethnicities, Tenor/High Baritone G2-G4):

Is an FBI agent leading the investigation and search for Frank Jr. He is a meticulous and knowledgeable workaholic who feels stunted at work. He dreams of cracking a big case that will prove his worth to the Bureau and allow for upward mobility. His personal life has borne the brunt of his obsession, leaving him divorced and lonely.

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FRANK ABAGNALE, SR. (He/Him, 50s, open to all ethnicities, Baritone F2-G#4): Frank Jr.'s father. Frank Sr is an upbeat and fast-talking charmer. Who inadvertently inspires his son’s swindling. He undergoes a series of progressive failures that leave him a lonely alcoholic. 

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PAULA ABAGNALE (She/Her, 50s, open to all ethnicities, Alto A3-C5, French accent): Frank Jr.'s mother. During the war, she met Frank Sr. in France, where they had a whirlwind courtship. She is caring and loving but harbors an underlying resentment toward her husband and their life together. She has an affair with Jack Barnes.

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BRENDA STRONG (She/Her, 20s, open to all ethnicities, Alto G3-A5, Louisiana accent): A young nurse and Frank Jr.'s eventual love interest. Hard-working and incredibly capable, Brenda is always trying to prove herself. After running away from a broken engagement, she meets Frank Jr. working in the hospital. She comes to trust him and herself. Seeking a strong vocalist.

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CAROL STRONG (She/Her, 40s-50s, open to all ethnicities, Alto Bb3-A5, Louisiana accent): Brenda's traditional Lutheran mother. She is talkative and boisterous, with just a touch of meddling. The Strongs have deep roots in Louisiana, something we intended to lean into in this production. 

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ROGER STRONG (He/Him, 40s-50s, open to all ethnicities, Baritone A2-A4, Louisiana accent): Brenda's conservative Lutheran father. He is stern and interrogatory but reveals himself to be deeply romantic. The Strongs have deep roots in Louisiana, something we intended to lean into in this production.  Doubles as: BILL COD - a seasoned FBI agent in the fraud division. A regular guy punching a time clock. Not excited or passionate about his work.

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TODD BRANTON (He/Him, 50s, open to all ethnicities): An FBI agent in the fraud agent who tends to be a know-it-all. Doubles as: JACK BARNES 

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FEMME and MASC ENSEMBLE (All gender identities, Ages 18+, open to all ethnicities, especially seeking High Tenor and Strong Belt): An ensemble of confident, empowered folk to play Commuters; Assistants; Stewardesses; Pilots; Agents; Party-Goers; Doctors; Nurses, etc. 

For the Femme Ensemble: the vocal cut of Doctor's Orders is optional.

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DANCE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS: Performers who are interested in the roles of Frank Jr, Femme, and Masc Ensemble MUST submit the dance combo. Please record your dance audition horizontally and for those who are interested in the Femme Ensemble, please wear heels for your submission. 

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ALL AUDITION MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND HERE

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Please reach out to Kavin Moore at Kavin.Moore@MarriottTheatre.com or 847-465-1326 ex. 1  if you have any questions or access needs.

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