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Veteran director, actor return to New Bern Civic stage next week

Sun Journal - 4/26/2017

April 26--New Bern Civic Theatre opens the musical comedy "Catch Me If You Can" for the first of eight shows on May 5.

Other 7:30 p.m. shows are May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, along with 2 p.m. performances May 7 and 14.

Based on the hit film and true story, the show is the high-flying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught.

Seeking fame and fortune, Frank Abignale Jr. -- played by Von Lewis -- runs away from home to begin an unforgettable adventure.

With nothing more than his boyish charm, a big imagination and millions of dollars in forged checks, he successfully poses as a pilot, a doctor and a lawyer -- living the high life and winning the girl of his dreams.

Eventually the lies catch the attention of an FBI agent who pursues him across the country to make him pay for his crimes.

Tickets are $20 in advance, $22 at the door and $12 for students and active duty military.

Show Director Derek Jordan returns to the Civic Theatre family after a stint living on the west coast and called the theater executive director.

"One of the first things I did was call Angelina (Doyle), and ask her to please find a show for me to direct in the 2017 season," Jordan wrote in his director's notes for the show. "I love New Bern Civic Theatre and knew that I had to be involved again, in order to feel like I was really back home."

When he was told it was "Catch Me If You Can," he had reservations.

"I had no attachment to the movie or the musical. After discussing the show with

Angelina and reading the script, I became obsessed," he added. "The script became

my night time read. The soundtrack never stopped playing. The ideas never stopped coming. This show has brought a joy for theatre back into my life, which had disappeared for a while."

He credits the cast and leader player Von Lewis.

Lewis, who playFrank Abignale Jr., said he is glad to be back on the

NBCT stage and to share it with his wife, Abbey Lewis.

This Vanceboro native and East Carolina University grad has traveled all over the U.S. and world performing.

Abbey Clark, who plays Brenda Strong, is a Michigan native who is

gratified to be living in New Bern with her husband Von

Lewis.

She has a degree in Music Theatre Performance from

Western Michigan University.

As part of the husband-wife duo, Lewis n Clark, she has performed in the eastern United States, singing vintage music to people of all ages.

Lewis n Clark recently returned from a contract with Carnival Cruise lines, performing in Australia. "

Jenn Wiggs, the show's producer, is excited to be producing for the

first time with NBCT. Previously, she could only be found on the stage.

Brandon Banks, the show's musical director, graduated from East

Carolina University in 2016 with his BM in Music Education.

He is currently a graduate student at ECU, pursuing his

MM in Piano Performance. He has musically directed numerous

productions in New Bern.

He has been performing for only eight years, plays for numerous school

choirs in the area, and is musical director at Riverside United Methodist Church.

Cast -- character and actor:

Frank Abagnale Jr., Von Lewis; Brenda Strong, Abbey Clark; Frank Abagnale Sr., Nathan Coles; Paula Abagnale, Roxanne Wheeler; Carl Hanratty, Patrick Bliss;

Carol Strong, Janice Cox; Roger Strong, Steve Robb; FBI Agent Johnny Dollar, Wesley Gerard; FBI Agent Bill Cond, Jaryd Frankenfield; FBI Agent Todd Branton, Gavin Sheehan; Jack Barnes, Chad Sittig; Bank Teller, Randi Burke

Attractive Assistant 2/Betty/Cindy/Showgirl/Female Trio, Nora Blalock; Principal, Michelle Walters; Pan Am Executive/Hotel Manager/Dr. Be, Lee Wheeler;

Shellie/Stewardess, Lauren Staggs; Attractive Assistant 1/Kellie/Nellie/Showgirl/Female Trio, Morgan Tucker; Attractive Assistant 3/Mindy/Jane/Showgirl/Female Trio, Katherine Morris; Woman 1, Anna Slann;

Judge/Tailor/Doctor Wanamaker, Cliff Nielsen; and CherylAnne, Angelina Doyle

Muscians:

Keyboard, Brandon Banks Guitar, Jimmy Merritt; Bass, Vince DiNapoli; Drums, Vic Olsen; Reed 1, Michael Stephenson; Reed 1, Jamie Staton; Trombone, Steven Kosch; Trumpet 1, Dave Falardeau; and Trumpet 2, Patrick Rose

Production staff:

Director, Derek Jordan; Musical Director, Brandon Banks; Producer, Jennifer Wiggs; Technical Director, Kris Pierson; Stage Manager, Sala Brown; Choreographer, Shani Jackson; Set Design, Cliff Nielsen; Set Construction, Joe Sullivan; Scenic Design, Becky Miller; Costume Design, Angelina Doyle;

Costumers, Jasyn Griffith, Allison Patton, Deanie Singleton, Lauren Taylor,

Wendy Savitz, Nancy Hartley, Nancy Hitchcock; Properties Manager, Lauren Taylor; Lighting Board Operator, Kayce Meadows Follow Spot Operator, Grace Lively; and Photography, Katherine Morrison

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(c)2017 the Sun Journal (New Bern, N.C.)

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