Meet “Catch Me If You Can” Frank Abagnale Jr.’s Understudy – Marlon Magtibay!
Meet Catch Me If You Can ensemble and Frank Abagnale Jr. understudy, Marlon James Beltran Magtibay, a Filipino-American actor currently based in Orange County, California.
Marlon first started performing in choir and shows during his middle and high school career in Hayward, CA. He has auditioned and performed in some of his high school productions, but found out Musical Theatre was “cool” through their production of In The Heights.
Marlon received his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from California State University, Fullerton in 2020.
Marlon’s credits include: Zebulun in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Pete/Ensemble in Saturday Night Fever (Candlelight Pavilion), Ensemble in Hello, Dolly! (3-D Theatricals), Kurt Kelly in Heathers, Richard Mason in Jane Eyre (CSU, Fullerton), Ensemble in The Little Mermaid (Chance Theater).
We caught up with Marlon to learn more about him and his Catch Me If You Can thoughts and experiences:
You are one of the many amazing ensemble in Catch Me If You Can but also the understudy to Frank Abagnale Jr. Can you give insight as to what an understudy is?
Understudies are people who have to learn the lines, blocking/choreography, and songs to the character they are assigned to in addition to learning their own role. In the circumstance that a lead can’t perform in a show, their understudy goes on.
Can you share what it is like being an understudy to the huge role of Frank Abagnale Jr.?
This is actually my first time understudying a role, and doing so for Frank Jr was definitely a challenge! Frank Jr carries a majority of the show’s dialogue and songs, so I spent most of my days memorizing those. I was also able to step into some rehearsals as Frank Jr, and the guidance from Allison, Xavier, Richard, and my cast mates made the experience much more easier and enjoyable!
What parts of your personality are the same or opposite of Frank Abagnale Jr.?
I’d like to think Frank Jr. and I share the same slickness and charm. In the show, It is also very clear that Frank Jr. loves his parents, and I share that same love for my Mom. Where Frank Jr and I differ are his illegal actions, I don’t do that. All jokes aside, I’m not as good at deceiving people compared to Frank Jr.
What is your favorite dance number in CMIYC?
My favorite dance number is “Live In Living Color”! The show’s opening number is very grand, and being a Frank William Abagnale Jr. Singer and Dancer, it makes me feel very dapper.
What are your musical theatre aspirations?
As I graduated college, I told myself these are my 4 goals: I want to do some sort of tour, do Hamilton on Broadway, perform at Disney and perform on a cruise line.
What would be your absolute dream role?
My biggest dream role is being Philip from Hamilton!
What do you think will be the biggest take away for Catch Me If You Can audiences?
Frank Jr. spent 2-3 years of his life running away and lying, and the way he was able to get his life back were the moments he was able to own up to his actions and be honest. I hope the audience takes away the idea that the truth can set people free!
Thank you Marlon Magtibay! We look forward to seeing your bright future continue to unfold!
SDMT Presents “Catch Me If You Can” | Now – March 13, 2022
Director: Allison Spratt Pearce
Choreographer: Xavier J. Bush
Music Director: Richard Dueñez Morrison
Click HERE to purchase tickets!
