Report: "Catch Me If You Can" set for 5th Avenue Theatre

Seattle's 5th Avenue Theatre will host the world premiere of a new Broadway-bound musical, "Catch Me If You Can," this summer, according to a December report at the theater-news magazine Web site Playbill.com.

Based on the hit Leonardo DiCaprio-Tom Hanks film about a colorful real-life con man and the federal agent pursuing him, the show will feature a score by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, direction by Jack O'Brien and dances by Jerry Mitchell — all lauded for their previous work on an earlier screen-to-stage Broadway tuner that tried out at the 5th Avenue, "Hairspray." The show's book will be authored by award-winning playwright Terrence McNally.

Shaiman told Playbill.com the 5th Avenue was chosen for this new venture because "we had such a lovely experience there with 'Hairspray,' it sure sounded good to us."

The 5th Avenue had no comment on "Catch Me If You Can," but has issued a news release noting it is holding auditions this week in Seattle for the upcoming show.

For more on the auditions — by appointment Jan. 6-8, with callbacks Jan. 9 and 10 — contact the 5th at 206-260-2115 to schedule an appointment.

Misha Berson: mberson@seattletimes.com