Center Players present 'Catch Me if You Can'

Center Players, Freehold's award winning resident theater company, will open its 2008-09 Signature Series with a production of "Catch Me If You Can" by Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert. Based on the play by Robert Thomas, the show will be directed by Jack Rosmarin of Marlboro. The play will run five consecutive weekends through Nov. 23.

The Broadway whodunit tells the story of an advertising man who has brought his bride to the boss' mountain lodge for a honeymoon and calls in the local police to investigate her sudden disappearance. Enter a pretty young woman who insists over his protests that she is the missing wife. A priest backs up her story. A funny little man who owns a delicatessen enters and before you know it the mystery deepens at the isolated lodge.

"People ask if this is the same story as the 2002 movie with the same title, starring Leonardo DiCaprio," Rosmarin said. "Although they share the same name, that is where the similarity ends. Our production is a horse of a different color. This amazing comedy/mystery will keep you guessing until the very end. When the audience learns the truth, there is always a hushed gasp."

Center Playhouse is at 35 South St., Freehold. Tickets may be purchased by calling 732-462-9093, option 1, or online at www.centerplayers.org.

The cost for tickets is $24, with a discounted rate of $22 for seniors (age 60 and older), students, and groups of 10 or more. The price includes complimentary beverage and desserts during intermission of each performance. Dinner packages are available.

The Friday performance will be held at 8 p.m. Nov. 21; the Saturday performance will be at 8 p.m. Nov. 22; and the Sunday performance will be at 2 p.m. Nov. 23.