By George Escobarete ‘25

On Jan. 31 to Feb. 2, 7, and 8, the Erica Heilmann Theatre held an incredible musical of “Catch Me If You Can,” with senior Michael Heilmann in the lead role of Frank Abagnale Jr.

I was fortunate enough to see the play on opening night, and it was as if Heilmann was a different person. He embodied his role so effectively, and I was drawn to the musical.

The director was Michael’s father, Dave Heilmann, and his sister, Natalie Heilmann, was the assistant director. Michael was inspired and excited that he had his father and sister directing the play.

“Having my dad as the director felt unique but also comforting,” said Heilmann. “He understood my strengths and weaknesses, which made the collaboration smoother.”

Many people say that during rehearsal, they experience difficulty, whether it is remembering lines, expressing emotion, or being a character. Michael had struggled at some point in rehearsal.

Michael said, “There were many challenges throughout the rehearsal process such as finding the character’s nature.”

When getting into character, each person has a different and unique way of doing it. Heilmann says, “To really get into character I just focus on my character and distract myself to ease my nerves.”

People have very unique moments in the musicals they participate in, whether it was a favorite role, favorite musical, favorite song, etc. Heilmann had many favorite moments while performing “Catch Me If You Can,” but one stuck out to him.

Michael said, “My favorite part of the show was being able to share the stage with my little sister.”

The Heilmann family was all in the play, with Michael and his younger sister being in the musical, and his father and older sister directing it, but all of this circles around one person, his mom, Erica Heilmann.

Though Mrs. Heilmann is not here with us today, she has inspired her family deeply, as she will forever be a part of their lives, through theatre.

“I received my opportunity at the Erica Heilmann Theatre in a program created by my parents, and it means the world to me,” said senior Michael Heilmann. “My mom’s legacy is something I will forever try to live out.”

Photo Source:  Michael Heilmann