Rosny College students set to take the stage in real story about a fake

The next generation of theatre stars have been given full control of Rosny College’s musical. Find out how preparations are going as opening night edges closer.

Trisha Agrawal as Agent Cod, Riley McPherson as Agent Dollar, Liam Harvey as Agent Branton, Finn Hatton as Carl Hanratty. Rosny College production of Catch Me If You Can. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It’s been Liam Harvey’s dream to be in a Rosny College production since he saw them put on Mamma Mia three years ago.

The year 11 student will take to the stage as Agent Branton in upcoming productions of Catch Me If You Can — “A real story about a fake”.

First-time actor year 11 student Finn Hatton was nervous before his first ever audition but managed to snag a leading role.

The guitar playing Rosny College student will take on the role of Carl Hanratty — a detective chasing a fraud and trying to arrest him, based on an incredible true story later made into a film.

Finn Hatton as Carl Hanratty, Riley McPherson as Agent Dollar, Liam Harvey as Agent Branton, Trisha Agrawal as Agent Cod ahead of upcoming Rosny College production of Catch Me If You Can. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Seasoned performer year 12 student Trisha Agrawal said it was the people and teamwork that drew her back to the stage.

“Having a group of people that all have something in common and are working towards a common goal is such a rare experience,” she said.

“In this particular cast everyone is so nice, hospitable and caring for each other.”

A full-student production will control the lighting, cameras, costuming, are the sound technicians and run the show.

Performing arts teacher and director Clare Latham said they had support from a production team of teachers and industry professional, but Catch Me If You Can was fully student-run.

“It’s a big training ground for the real world,” Mrs Latham said.

Mrs Latham was a student in 2000-01 and performed on the very stage she is overseeing this year’s production on.

“It’s a full circle moment, and the storyline of the musical is very much a full circle moment for the main character as well,” she said.

The comedy musical focuses on the character of FBI agent Carl Hanratty who is chasing chronic con-man Frank Abagnale Jr as he poses as a pilot, doctor and lawyer in his attempts at fraud.

Catch Me If You Can The Musical will be showing at the Dwight Brown Auditorium, Rosny College from June 6 to June 15.

Originally published as Rosny College students set to take the stage in real story about a fake