Williamsport’s Community Theater League, or CTL, recently produced the musical “Catch Me if You Can” this October. Not only was it a dazzling performance, but it was a great success for the quaint black box theater.
“Catch Me if You Can,” or “CMIYC,” directed by Montoursville Alumni Katie Conklin, brought to life an epic tale of deceit and evasion.
“The show is based on the 2002 movie, where a young man [Frank Abagnale Jr.] commits fraud while impersonating a pilot, doctor, and lawyer. While an FBI agent [Detective Hanratty] is tight on his back… his family has fallen apart and he has nothing left to do but run away,” said the Benton High School senior, Wilmar Lewis.
This was Lewis’ second CTL show, however, he is making waves in the local industry. This is his first Mainstage show and he’s the youngest lead the CTL has seen in a show.
Over the summer he participated in the summer youth intensive show, “The Lightning Thief” as Charon/Ensemble.
Although this is his first Mainstage show, this is not his first time playing Frank Jr. in “CMIYC.”
In the Spring of 2024, Benton High School produced the show when Lewis was only a junior.
Comparatively, he said, “Catch Me [at CTL], was both easier and harder for me. It was easier for me because I knew the role, lines, and songs very well. However, it was not easy to relearn a ton of different things like choreography or blocking.”
Speaking of choreography, another Montoursville Alumni Maia Cenimo – A featured dancer and ensemble member in the production, also deserves special recognition.
Cenimo discussed with us that, “The CTL proudly joined the Legacy Robe tradition in June 2023, recognizing our strong and talented cast members. On opening night, the ensemble member with the most CTL Mainstage ensemble credits is presented with the prestigious Legacy Robe. Maia Cenimo… received the CTL Legacy Robe with her 7th ensemble credit [for CMIYC] in a CTL production.”
Along with the special recognition for having the most credits, the recipient also enacts a small ritual for the cast.
“The new recipient wears the Robe and circles the stage counterclockwise three times, while cast members reach out and touch it for good luck. Finally, the latest recipient visits the green room [the backstage dressing room] before concluding in the lobby.”
The CTL lobby is where the robe resides on display for the rest of the year. A patch for each show since 2023 – excluding “Grease” and “The Lightning Thief” – adorns the body of the robe, according to Cenimo.
Visually the show was captivating as well. With a tiered platform strong enough for group dances in the back, with vibrant lighting, the directorial staff performed wonders in set design.
Overall “Catch Me if You Can” was a landmark production for local theater. Congratulations to all involved and watch out for more shows with this stellar institution.
Featured photo: is the Main Stage at the CTL during the number “Don’t Break the Rules.” This portrays Taylor Elliot as “Detective Hanratty” while dancing with the ensemble. Photo provided by Wilmar Lewis
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