At this point, I’m thoroughly convinced you can’t see a bad show at TPAC. It’s not possible.

You could walk into that place with the grumpiest demeanor and the most sullen look imaginable, and leave with a grin ear-to-ear and a song in your heart.

TPAC’s latest show in their Broadway calender, Catch Me If You Can, tells the story of Frank Abagnale Jr., the real-life con artist who impersonated pilots and doctors with the charisma of an actor, bounced checks like it was an Olympic sport, led one of the most infamous manhunts in history and literally wrote the book on financial fraud.

Abagnale is portrayed by Stephen Anthony, whose charm and sense of humor are only second to his voice. If Music City measures entertainment value by the ability to carry a tune while carrying an audience, look no further. I see only the brightest of futures for Mr. Anthony, and am already looking forward to his next show in Nashville. And since the musical centers around Anthony’s portrayal of Abagnale, it only makes sense that a performer of his talent match the historic talents of Abagnale.

What is striking about TPAC shows for me is the production design. Simply put, every set of every show is fun to look at. The challenge for this show was that it’s narrative was told in the vein of a 1960’s variety hour – a technicolor dream that took you from one place to the next, much like your favorite films or TV shows. And while it’s a tough task to dress a stage to make the audience believe that we’re travelling from one city to the next, it’s definitely not outside the wheelhouse of Broadway. The backgrounds come to life here, telling their own part of the story and coming to life in a fashion bigger and better than any 3-D movie.

Ashley Chasteen, a Nashville resident and country singer who plays multiple roles in the Catch Me If You Can production, was kind enough to talk with the Pulse about her career in art and entertainment.

Ashley Chasteen

Murfreesboro Pulse: You’re something of a “jack of all trades”, listing your talents as actor, dancer, singer, choreographer and songwriter (as per your website ashleychasteen.com). Among that list, is there a particular talent to which you have a preference? Do you have a favorite medium for art in which you work?
Ashley Chasteen: I’ll always have a soft spot for dance. I have been dancing since I was 3 and can’t help but seeing dance steps in my head when I hear music.

MP: What was it about entertainment that made you want to get into the industry?
AC: The storytelling! Bringing joy to people! The working hard to be a part of something bigger than yourself.

MP: Let’s discuss your ties to the city of Nashville, and what importance the city has for years past.
AC: I just moved to Nashville in May with my fiance, but have been visiting him here for the past couple of years. It’s the best city in the country. People are honest, direct and talented. There are so many amazing restaurants and bars here!

I also used to work for Matt Davenport Productions that’s based here in Nashville. I’ve also toured through TPAC before with CATS. What a beautiful venue!

MP: Catch Me If You Can is, so far, my favorite show of this year’s Broadway lineup from TPAC. From a performance/choreography standpoint, how do you feel this show is different from others you’ve seen?
AC: CMIYC is set apart from other shows by its musical, choreographic, arrangement and written sophistication. It celebrates a very glamorous and sophisticated decade (the ’60s). And it represents a true story! Frank Abagnale Jr.’s story is worth telling in such an entertaining way. The music that our band plays onstage with us every night is infectious!

MP: What are your plans for the immediate future?
AC: Finish this tour and finish the rest of the album.

MP: Are there any roles you are just dying to play? Any projects that you are just craving to be a part of?
AC: I would love to play Velma Kelly in Chicago. I’d also love to perform in Rock of Ages. I ADORE ’80s rock music (and that show!).

MP: You have not one but two singles on iTunes. Tell us about the singles, your songwriting and what the fans should expect from you.
AC: Thank you for asking this! Right now, my country music is what excites me most. The singles are called “Enjoy the Ride” and “The Worst of Your Best Friends.” “Ride” is about setting goals and dreaming big, but not forgetting to enjoy the journey to realizing those dreams. I’ve been very blessed to have some incredible life experiences; and sometimes I’d like to go back and enjoy my journey a little more. “The Worst of Your Best Friends” is a bluesy/country tune about catty girls who you used to call your best friends. It’s sassy.

For future songs, folks can expect catchy hooks with real heart to them. Expect rock and blues influences as well. I love the nitty-gritty behind stories that are worth being told through song. My songs celebrate life, bring joy to people, make people think, inspire toe-tapping, and make multiple references to Jack Daniels. Yum.

MP: What inspires you for country music? What country music greats do you admire?
AC: Experiences in life that we think about or want to live out but never do inspire a lot of my songs. Eric Church is my favorite country artist at the moment. I would LOVE to open for him. Other favorites include Alan Jackson, Shania Twain, Terri Clark, Toby Keith, Brantley Gilbert, Brooks and Dunn, Carrie Underwood, Gretchen Wilson . . . I also love Foreigner, Journey, Aerosmith, Def Leppard and Alice Cooper.

MP: What has the world of theater taught you on a personal level?
AC: A life in the theater business teaches you discipline and to have a thick skin. You’re always hearing the word no. And there’s no way to perfect an art. So you should always working on your craft. But, there’s no better feeling in the world than working so hard onstage and seeing audience members smile.

MP: How long have you been in the entertainment industry?
AC: Since I was 3. And I’ve been performing professionally consistently since I graduated from UGA (Go Dawgs!) in 2007.

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It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s flashy. It’s clever. It’s well-dressed, and ready to take your money, much like Frank Jr. Unlike him, however, is that the show doesn’t make you feel like you’ve been robbed.

I’ll skip the obvious “catch it if you can” pun, and just say that you really should see this show while it’s in town. The show runs through Sunday, Jan. 27 and tickets and more information are available here.