“Catch Me If You Can” is a crime drama following a teenager, Frank, who becomes skilled in conning people into thinking he is a pilot, doctor and lawyer.  In the midst of all the lies, he even falls in love.  He gets away with millions of dollars before an FBI agent, Carl, catches him.

This 2002 movie was turned into a theatrical play that is being performed at The Barn Players.

I attended “Catch Me If You Can” without knowing what I was getting myself into, not knowing that it was a musical and not knowing what The Barn was.

The Barn Players is a little known local theater that is located in Mission, Kan. after relocating several times around Kansas since 1955.  Volunteers run it, and these volunteers do everything from building sets, ticket sales and even the performing which makes the show even more impressive.

Despite the fact that this was likely a low budget play, it definitely does not show in the acting.

I am not a theater junkie, let alone a fan of musicals; however, the acting and portrayal of the characters were pretty much spot on.  The main actors kept my attention and really stole the show.

I usually cringe during the singing in musicals, but I was shocked at how good the sound of their voices was.  I left thinking that they could really sing.

This would most likely not be a show that would be enjoyable for those that don’t like musicals because there are a lot of songs in comparison to acting.

Even though this wasn’t a comedy, it had many comedic factors.

I caught myself laughing multiple times during the play because of the actors’ expressions, the fake gunshots, and at some of the humorous lines.

I was especially impressed with how there were minimal props used on the stage.  There were not extravagant stage settings; this really allowed for the audience to use their imagination and truly focus on the performance.

The Barn Players is a little local gem that unfortunately many people don’t know about.  It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it deserves a chance.  And the only chance left for this show is this weekend; shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.