On Saturday I took a short jaunt up to New York City to take in my first show on Broadway. I’ve seen your classic Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Wicked on National Tours, but I’d never been to an actual New York Broadway show.

The honor of my first New York show went to the new musical Catch Me If You Can. It’s the same story from the 2002 film staring Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank Abignale Jr. — a young conman who steals more than 2 million dollars as he impersonates a doctor, lawyer and pilot while gallivanting around the world.

The story transfers seamlessly to the stage with toe tapping musical numbers that leave you snapping your fingers for days after the curtain closes. And the talent of the cast is truly awe-inspiring as they show the audience the magic of “turning butter into cream” and how to embrace life even with reality hot on your trail!

I’ve always loved this story because of its themes. I know Abignale is a crock, but his spirit is not ill intentioned. He’s just a kid trying to become something by faking it ‘till he makes it, even if that means staying a few steps ahead of reality. I’m a big believer is faking it ‘till you make it because that little mental trick can give you the confidence to cross that final barrier and before you know it, you are what you always wanted to be.

Now that I’ve seen the movie and the musical, I’ve just downloaded the novel to my Kindle and I can’t wait to experience the story in that medium.

It was great fun to file into the Neil Simon Theater on a rainy New York afternoon. I was amazed at how ornate and small the theater was, but it was great! I love to just walk around New York, so after the show there were stops at 30 Rock and Times Square and then it was back to D.C.

Here’s a little preview video of the show so you can get a taste of it.