The Hopeful Traveler: 'Catch Me If You Can' CD Release Event at B&N

The overflow audience viewing Aaron Tveit perform though the
special event room's glass doors.

The overflow audience viewing the performances on television monitors.

The autographed CD cover. (all photos except where
noted: TheHopefulTraveler)

Today is the official release date of the original Broadway cast recording CD of the musical 'Catch Me If You Can' a month after the music's digital release. To celebrate the event, a live performance by the show's cast and CD signing is taking place at the Barnes & Noble on the Upper East Side.

In prior years, popular locations for such events were the Virgin Megastore in Times Square or the Barnes & Noble on the Upper West Side near Lincoln Center. Both of those locations have since shuttered so finding brick and mortar stores near the Theatre District have become difficult.

Appearing to perform include Aaron Tveit, Norbert Leo Butz and Kerri Butler. Also on hand to sign for the autograph portion of the event are actors Rachel deBenedet, Linda Hart and Nick Wyman and the show's composer Marc Shaiman and lyricist Scott Wittman.

Taking place in the special event room on B&N's basement level, the packed event left many fans to enjoy the performance outside the room. Although priority was made for those who purchased a CD at B&N, many of these shoppers with CD in hand were left outside (myself included). Fortunately television screens outside the room's entrance allowed for viewing of the entire event. After the performances, store management quickly hustled the crowds both inside and outside of the event room in groups to meet the show's stars for the CD signing.

The promotion included performances of "Fly, Fly Away" by Butler, "Goodbye" by Tveit and "Strange But True" by Butz & Tveit preceded by a few words and performance of the "Fifty Checks" (a song cut from the show) by Shaiman.

This was a fun preview before I attend a 'Catch Me If You Can' performance this Friday at the Neil Simon Theatre so look for my review later this week. More info about the show at catchmethemusical.com. Click HERE for ticket information.

The Upper East Side location of Barnes & Noble is located at 150 East 86th Street near Lexington Avenue. Store Hours: Sun-Thu 9am-10pm; Fri-Sat 9am-11pm. Click HERE view upcoming store events.