Reviewed by Suzanne Angeo (Member, American Theatre Critics Association)
and Greg Angeo (Member Emeritus, San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle)
Photos courtesy of Sean Carter Photography
(from left) Timothy C Goodwin, Ashley Wickett, Tyrick Wiltez Jones, Stephen Blackwell (seated), Phil Powers, Katy Kujala, Richard Marlatt
Murder With a Twist of Fun
There was a lot happening 60 years ago. In 1965, the civil rights movement gained steam, the Vietnam war escalated, Medicare was established, student unrest took to the streets and a new murder mystery opened on Broadway. Just a year later, in 1966, Meadow Brook Theatre first opened, so for their 59th season kickoff, it’s only fitting that they recapture a mid-60s vibe with that sublimely witty whodunit, Catch Me If You Can.
Not to be confused with the 2002 Leonardo DiCaprio film of the same name (and subsequent musical), this version of Catch Me If You Can is a world apart. Instead of following the capers of Frank Abagnale, this sparkling thriller in three acts witnesses a young husband’s descent into madness and enough red herrings to fill the Monterey Bay. There are darkly delightful comic touches galore, snappy dialog and suspense worthy of Hitchcock. The many references to Michigan locations are sure to please MBT audiences and is a feature of the original script, not added later, according to director Travis Walter.
Ashley Wickett, Tyrick Wiltez Jones
MBT’s stage transports us to a swank but cozy mountain home in the Catskills, where ad executive Danny and his new bride Elizabeth are spending their honeymoon. But it’s not much of a honeymoon, because the bride has gone missing and Danny’s in a panic. Suddenly an impostor claiming to be his wife appears with a priest, and Danny calls the local police. Bumbling Inspector Levine (or is it Clouseau?) shows up and isn’t much help. Not only doesn’t he believe Danny’s story; he appears ready to have him committed to a mental hospital! There seems to be a major conspiracy afoot, and it’s hard to see how he can get out of this one. Is there no one to help him?
Stephen Blackwell, Timothy C Goodwin
MBT veteran Stephen Blackwell (Strangers on a Train, Moriarty, Noises Off) is simply electrifying as the beleaguered Danny. Goofy Inspector Levine is played for perfect comic relief by Timothy C Goodwin (Blithe Spirit). Ashley Wicket (also the Fight Captain – be forewarned) alternates between sweetly cloying and drop-dead menacing as the prodigal bride Elizabeth (or is she?). Her companion, the mysterious priest Father Kelleher, is played with a kind of two-faced sympathy by Tyrick Wiltez Jones (numerous Broadway and Regional shows). In a small but pivotal role as local sandwich shop owner Sidney, another MBT veteran, Phil Powers (Fox on the Fairway, Noises Off), manages to steal every scene he’s in. And in the briefest of roles, just in time to throw a wrench in the works: Danny’s boss Mr Parker, played by a boisterous Richart Marlatt, and his (alleged) wife Mrs Parker, played by a giddy and prancing Katy Kujala.
MBT has done it again. Brisk pacing, courtesy of the amazing director Travis Walter, is the rocket fuel that propels this intensely maddening nail-biter. You’re on the edge of your seat the whole time (thank goodness for those two intermissions) and remain fully engaged with the action onstage. A lively script by Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert (based on a French play by Robert Thomas), clever 1960s set design (including furniture, telephones and other props) by Kristen Gribbin, great period clothing by Marley Boone and music by sound designer Allison Bucher all combine to make for one of the most entertaining shows yet presented at MBT.
When: Now through November 2, 2025
Tickets $40 to $48
Where: Meadow Brook Theatre at Wilson Hall
Oakland University
378 Meadow Brook Rd
Rochester Hills, MI 48309
(248) 377-3300
www.mbtheatre.com
This production is made possible through the generous support of the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation, the Shubert Foundation and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.
Meadow Brook Theatre is a professional theatre located on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. MBT is a nonprofit cultural institution serving southeast Michigan for more than 59 years.
