Preparations for Caledonia Secondary School’s annual musical production are well underway.
This year’s musical is titled Catch Me if You Can, based on a true story about Frank Abagnale Jr., who has a troubled life at home and becomes a master forger. He assumes the identity of a Pan Am pilot and is pursued by the FBI.
“Catch Me if You Can has the energy of the 1960s,” said director Graham Wojdak. “This is our biggest dance show that we’ve done.”
In total, 20 students are taking part in the production, which will run Dec. 9, 10, and 11 at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre in Terrace. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased both at Misty River Books and at the door. Masks and proof of vaccination are required.
Wojdak said the musical is using more microphones than ever before — 18 instead of the usual 14 — and the show features complex choreography and a large number of costume changes.
“It’s crazy for costumes, and I think if I were to count them we have about 100 costumes for 20 people,” he said.
This is the 29th annual Caledonia Secondary School Musical, and this iteration is bolstered by a strong crop of Grade 10 performers.
“What excites me is that we have more Grade 10s In the cast than we have had, I think, in any other year,” Wojdak said. “So assuming that they keep their energy and they have great energy, we are going to have a strong core for two more years to come.”
Wojdak said he is impressed with the students’ confidence and hard work, describing them as “a joy to work with.”
Preparations for the musical are on schedule despite the challenge of a large number of scenes that have acting lines, singing and dance-style movement.
“It’s going to be tight like it is every year, we need to use every rehearsal and make sure we push the product each day, and we are.”