Catch Me If You Can

Kevin J. Alleman plays our leading man, Frank Abagnale Jr. Audiences may recognize him from numerous Engle Lane Theatre productions. His most recent role being Billy in “Bright Star” in 2019.

His favorite roles include Sam in “Street Scene” at Illinois State University, Emmett Forrest in “Legally Blonde” at Engle Lane and Gabe in “Next to Normal” at Stage 212.

Outside of theater, Kevin enjoys being a Voice Teacher, playing with his dog, Bjornj, and working on musical compositions.

Kevin’s favorite part of “Catch Me if You Can” is the show’s specific style of music, which is similar to another 60’s musical by the same writers, “Hairspray.” Whether you’re familiar with the film or not, audiences are in for a treat with these swinging orchestrations.

Paula Abagnale, Frank Jr’s gorgeous French mother, is played by Megan Cullinan! Megan was last seen on the Engle Lane stage back in November of 2022 in the Signature Series production of “Fun Home” as Helen Bechdel.

Megan lists her favorite roles as Rona Lisa in “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” at Stage 212, Miss. Brannigan in “Back to the 80’s” at Stage 212 and the Narrator in ”Joseph & the Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Stage 212.

Outside of doing musical theater, Megan’s life has many musical influences. She teaches voice lessons and has been writing a musical that she’s been working on for the last 5 years. Megan has been wearing many hats this spring. Not only does she star as Paula Abagnale, she is also Music Director for “Catch Me If You Can.” She is currently directing Hall High School’s production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!”

Why should you see this show? Megan’s got you covered!
“Catch Me if You Can” is a really well written show and it’s a great example of how something can be adapted from screen to stage. It’s a great mix of comedy and drama and offers a lot of emotional and poignant moments. The production team, cast, and crew have put their heart and soul into this production and have had a ton of fun in rehearsals putting it together! You will enjoy every moment!”

Douglas Alleman makes his Engle Lane debut as Brenda’s conservative father, Roger Strong! Not only does “Catch Me If You Can” mark Douglas’ Engle Lane debut but also his on-stage debut! In his freetime, he enjoys traveling, hiking and construction. His favorite part of doing his first show is the calm and welcoming atmosphere of the group.

Jamie Parks joins the cast of “Catch Me If You Can” as Playboy model, Cheryl Ann! She’s very excited to be making her Engle Lane Theater debut as the sultry vixen. In the 2001 hit movie, Cheryl Ann was played by Jennifer Garner. Jamie is very eager to be stepping into her shoes.

“Catch Me If You Can” marks Jamie’s second show. She first appeared in “Into the Woods” last summer as Briar Rose and the Harp at Stage 212. Jamie has proven to be a natural on stage! A real triple threat.

In her freetime, Jamie is a Dance Fitness Instructor. She loves going on beachy vacations and can now proudly add musicals to her past times. Her favorite part this time around is being reunited with her castmates from last summer as well as sharing the stage with her daughter, Kylie Atkins, once again.

Although there are many reasons to see “Catch Me If You Can,” Jamie insists that the best parts are “the humor, the sass and the great dancing.”

Emma Woulfe also makes her Engle Lane Theatre debut as a Jet Set Girl! Although she’s new to the theater, Emma is no stranger to the spotlight. Emma truly is a triple threat.

She lists her favorite roles as a Mersister/Gull in “The Little Mermaid”and Featured Dancer in “Thoroughly Modern Millie” both at LaSalle-Peru High School.

When Emma isn’t performing, she can be found baking, reading or singing. Along with doing “Catch Me If You Can” with her bestie, Amilia, Emma really enjoys performing such numbers as “Doctor’s Orders” and “Live In Living Color.”

Ivy Soens, also, makes her Engle Lane debut as a Jet Set Girl! We’re over the moon to have Ivy join us this spring!

Her previous credits include Lord Farquuad in “Shrek Jr” at Oglesby Washington Junior High, Deb in “Elf Jr” also at Oglesby Washington and a Featured Dancer in “Wizard of Oz” at LaSalle- Peru High School.

When she isn’t on stage, Ivy can be found gardening, reading and crocheting! Ivy insists that everyone needs to buy a ticket to “Catch Me If You Can” because it’s an extremely fun and entertaining musical that showcases a variety of talents from all over the Illinois Valley!

Griffin Tabor stars as Carl Hanratty, the FBI agent in pursuit of Frank Jr. Griffin is no stranger to the Engle Lane Stage, having performed there since he was a little kid. His last ELT production was “The Misadventures of Flywheel, Shyster and Flywheel” during the 2021 “pencil us in” series.

Griffin credits his favorite roles as Leo Bloom in “The Producers” at Engle Lane, Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince in “Into the Woods” at Stage 212 and Brad in “The Rocky Horror Show” at Engle Lane.

When Griffin isn’t on stage, he can be found collecting vintage vinyl records and watching & writing about movies and film history, his favorite decade being the 1970s. Griffin keeps very busy as he commutes to rehearsal from Illinois State University. “It’s worth every minute!” Opening day for “Catch Me If You Can” comes the day after he graduates, making May a very exciting month for him!

Griffin’s favorite parts about doing “Catch Me If You Can” are performing his favorite song “Don’t Break the Rules” as well as sharing the stage with his fellow castmates. He describes the show as “involving highly talented people. It features creative and outstanding achievements from its cast and crew.”

Trisha Bagby stars as Brenda Strong, a nurse in New Orleans who falls in love with Frank Jr. We’re pleased to have Trisha back at Engle Lane for her second show here. The last time she was seen on our stage was in 2022’s Signature Series show, “Fun Home” as Joan.

Trisha credits her favorite roles as the Baker’s Wife in “Into the Woods” at Stage 212, Katherine Blake in “Freaky Friday” at River Valley Players, and Agnes Evans in “She Kills Monsters” at Eureka College.

In her freetime, Trisha enjoys graphic design, cooking, listening to podcasts and hanging out with her dog! We’re very thankful Trisha chose to commute for “Catch Me If You Can” all the way from Peoria!

Trisha’s favorite thing about doing “Catch Me If You Can” has been getting to work with such a talented cast. She also adds: “Anyone interested in musicals or history needs to see this show so they can see us bring this true story to life on the Engle Lane stage!”

Nik Frig plays FBI Agent Todd Branton. He is a veteran of the Engle Lane Theater stage. Audiences may remember Nik’s most recent production “The Shop Around the Corner” where he played Mr. Peters in Winter 2022. Nik’s credits his favorite roles as Mushnik in “Little Shop of Horrors,” Patrick in “The Andrews Brothers” and George Bailey in “It’s a Wonderful Life” all at Engle Lane Theater. In his freetime, Nik can be found painting, sculpting, baking and doing weird stuff. He feels very strongly that people should see “Catch Me If You Can” not only because he’s in it but also because other talented people are going to put on a fantastic show for everyone to see!

Amilia Sanchez makes her Engle Lane Theatre debut as a Jet Set Girl! As a featured singer, dancer and actor, Amilia is required to do it all and she does it in style.

Her most recent show was “The Little Mermaid” in 2022 at LaSalle-Peru High School. Amilia lists her favorite credits as Sister Mary Cecilia in “Nunsense” at Stage 212, Dance Ensemble in “Hello Dolly” at Stage 212 and Mission Band in “Guys & Dolls” at Saint Bede Academy.

In her freetime, Amilia enjoys hiking and doing anything crafty. Her favorite part about doing “Catch Me If You Can” has been performing with her best friend, Emma, and also being around so many fun and kind people. She feels super lucky to be in a show with the best group of people and directors.

Engle Lane Veteran, Patricia ‘PJ” Fulkerson, makes her return to the stage as a Jet Set Girl! Most recently, PJ was seen on the ELT stage in “Crazy For You” last May.

Although she’s been a part of many shows she lists the following as her favorite: Mrs. Banks in “Mary Poppins,” Ensemble in ‘Bright Star” and Annabelle in “The Cat & the Canary” all at Engle Lane Theatre.

In her free time, PJ loves to dance, sing, spend time with family & friends, musicals and cook! PJ loves “Catch Me If You Can” so much because it requires her to do her favorite thing…DANCE! Although this dancing has been outside her comfort zone, PJ has been loving the challenge of pushing herself.

Why should you see “Catch Me If You Can?” PJ’s got the answers! “This show is different, new, and filled with a lot of talented people bringing it and Ashley’s vision to life. Also, supporting Engle Lane, as well as the other local community theaters, will only help these opportunities for entertainment, participating OR watching, grow!”