Chicago Tribune
- Recommended
"...Marriott Theatre's revival of "Catch Me If You Can" is fueled by a zippy, eye-catching performance from JJ Niemann, a rising young Broadway star from "Hamilton" who has amassed a massive following on social media, and who apparently has enough clout in Gotham to attract no less than Marc Shaiman, the composer and co-lyricist of the the 2011 Broadway musical based on the 2002 Steven Spielberg movie, to his opening night in bucolic Lincolnshire."
Chicago Sun Times
- Somewhat Recommended
"...Running through Oct. 19 at Lincolnshire's Marriott Theatre, director Jessica Fisch's staging of "Catch Me If You Can"(book by Terrence McNally, score by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman) is defined by a cast with four-star talent trapped in a show with one-star content. The jazzy/bluesy bubblegum-pop score is enjoyable, but the context surrounding it is irredeemable."
Daily Herald
- Recommended
"...Marriott Theatre does for "Catch Me If You Can" - the 2009 tuner inspired by a real-life teenage grifter who stole millions during the 1960s and 1970 - what it has ably done before. Which is to say make a middling musical entertaining."
Around The Town Chicago
- Highly Recommended
"...For 50 years, Marriott has shown us that a theater-in-the-round stage can work with great style and class. No fancy sets are needed, and with today’s technology, they can make things appear to be in place with projections (Anthony Churchill) allowing all four sides of audience memebrs to see what the director wants them to see. Jessica Fisch’s direction is prefect, and the choreography by Deidre Goodwin impeccable."
Chicago Theatre Review
- Highly Recommended
"...As excellent as this musical was, it was only nominated for four Tony Awards and just took home the prize for Best Actor. But despite having a book by Terrence McNally (RAGTIME, KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN), music by Marc Shaiman and lyrics by Shaiman and Scott Wittman (the team that brought us HAIRSPRAY and SOME LIKE IT HOT), it just couldn't compete with the other shows that year. In a less impressive season, this musical might've earned more, well-deserved theatrical accolades. But that's not to say that this is, in any way, an inferior show. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN might just be one of the Marriott's finest shows in a 50 year run of excellent productions."
Buzz Center Stage
- Highly Recommended
"...Having followed JJ Niemann’s Broadway career on social media for years, I was especially eager to see him take the lead in Marriott Theatre’s revival of Catch Me If You Can. While social media offers curated glimpses – often in the form of brief, specially selected clips – Niemann proved from the very first moment that his talent extends far beyond a phone screen. As Frank Abagnale Jr (and all of his many alter egos), he delivered remarkable acting, vocals, dance, and charisma, captivating the audience every second of the 2.5-hour show. Put simply, he was flawless, stepping into a role once played by Leonardo DiCaprio on the big screen and making it entirely his own on the Marriott’s stage."
Chicago Theater and Arts
- Highly Recommended
"...If looking for a joyous night out, consider catching Catch Me If You Can now on stage at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire. Opened at Broadway’s Neil Simon Theatre in April 2011, that production garnered four Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical."
PicksInSix
- Highly Recommended
"...Abagnale's bold musical crime spree is sure to be another big hit for the popular regional theater at the Marriott Lincolnshire Resort celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Paired with the delicious and affordably-priced pop-up cuisine of the Three Embers Pan Am Grille inspired by First-Class Menus of the Pan Am Clippers, you can show up early, park for free, and stay for the show. It doesn't get better that this!"
Splash Magazine
- Highly Recommended
"...J.J. Nieman is perfectly cast as Frank Abagnale, Jr., making his debut at the Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre. He has the energy, charm, hunkiness, and sweet baby face to play this teenage confidence criminal manipulator."
BroadwayWorld
- Highly Recommended
"...This is a fun show. It’s set in the 1960’s. There are some references (pop culture and events) that not everyone understood. Director Jessica Fisch along with set designers Andrew Boyce and Lauren M. Nichols, lighting designer Jessie King, choreographer Deidre Goodwin, Costume Designer Sully Ratke, have brought this era to the forefront. The great score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman brings the story up another level. The orchestra under the direction of Chris Sargent really rocks the theater. None of us can predict how our lives and situations will commence. We can always dream about it. Frank Abagnale dreamt about a different life and decided his course of action to change. To quote the director: “Buckle up. We’re about to take off.” Marriott has really given this story wings."
