Catch Me If You Can

Con Man Charm Takes Center Stage at St. Augustine's Historic Limelight Theatre

The Limelight Theatre brings the high-stakes cat-and-mouse game of "Catch Me If You Can" to its intimate stage on Thursday, September 24th at 7:30 PM. Based on the true story of Frank Abagnale Jr.'s audacious cons and narrow escapes, this theatrical adaptation transforms the beloved film into a fast-paced musical that's equal parts thrilling and surprisingly heartfelt. The 7:30 curtain gives audiences time to explore St. Augustine's historic streets before settling in for an evening of clever disguises, jazzy numbers, and the relentless pursuit that made the story legendary.

What to Expect:
The Limelight Theatre's 175-seat house creates an up-close experience where every facial expression and quick costume change lands with impact. This production of "Catch Me If You Can" leans into the musical's 1960s aesthetic with period-perfect styling and energetic choreography that keeps the story moving at the same breakneck pace as its protagonist's schemes. The all-ages show appeals to theater regulars and newcomers alike, with enough wit and spectacle to hold attention without relying on heavy subject matter.

Insider Tips:
- Tickets for Limelight Theatre productions often sell out for weekend shows, but Thursday performances typically offer better availability and a more relaxed crowd
- The theater's vintage building lacks modern climate control, so layers work better than heavy jackets in September's transitional weather
- Street parking fills quickly after 7:00 PM as both theatergoers and restaurant diners arrive simultaneously
- The lobby opens 30 minutes before curtain, giving time to browse the small gallery of local art and grab a drink
- Seats in rows E through G provide the sweet spot for sightlines without neck strain in either direction
- Intermission runs about 15 minutes, just enough time to stretch legs but not long enough to leave the building

Getting There:
The Limelight Theatre sits on Old Mission Avenue in the heart of St. Augustine's historic district, where narrow streets and colonial-era city planning make parking strategy essential. Mission of Nombre de Dios Parking offers the closest option just 107 meters from the theater entrance, though spaces disappear fast on performance nights. Old Town Overflow Lot provides reliable backup about 535 meters away, while the Historic Downtown Parking Facility's multi-level structure sits 582 meters from the venue and rarely fills completely. The theater's location near San Marco Avenue means most visitors approach from the main north-south corridor through the historic district. Walking from any of these lots takes visitors past centuries-old architecture and gas-lit streets that set the mood before the show even starts.

Local Scene:
Pre-show dining options cluster within easy walking distance of the Limelight Theatre, each offering different vibes for different tastes. Sunday Gathering Table sits just 302 meters away with vegan and vegetarian options that work for quick bites before curtain. The Witty Whisker Cat Cafe combines coffee with adoptable felines about 1,067 meters from the theater, perfect for early arrivals who want something different. Columbia Restaurant brings Spanish and Cuban flavors to the table roughly 1,079 meters away, though the pacing works better for post-show meals. For those looking to extend the evening after the final bow, Cidersmith pours craft ciders 870 meters from the theater. River & Fort offers outdoor seating and locally-owned character about 1,126 meters away, catching the late-September evening air that makes St. Augustine's fall theater season so appealing.