"Catch Me if you Can" 2011 Tony Awards performance

Aaron Tveit and Norbert Leo Butz performing at the 2011 Tony Awards. "Breaking All the Rules" "Live in Living Color"

[@SeasaltIcecream297]

I feel like this is one of the videos where musical theatre kids are like "shit man I need to work on my cardio"

[@thegoodlife6939]

HAHAHAH Fuckin' spot on

[@liekebos7941]

Spot on, hahaha

[@JoshBasit]

Too true😔

[@phoenixjoe5520]

Exactly

[@emiilysheils5030]

that's exactly what I thought

[@panchish]

it's fiyero chasing another fiyero . . . amazing.

[@lonelylittledot]

I know right? It's hilarious :')

[@BerryinHI]

It's the short, older balding Fiyero chasing the taller, younger full set of hair Fiyero! 😂

[@phoenixjoe5520]

I honestly see your comments everywhere 😅

[@theblackcat2792]

Hehehehe 🤣

[@panchish]

Phoenix Joe sorry bout that

[@TonyStark-zz6rr]

I've lost track of how many times Aaron has preformed at the Tonys. Yet, he hasn't won a Tony and that's messed up.

[@JoshBasit]

The Leonardo DiCaprio of Broadway

[@the-ma-an]

Joshuaskie Funny you say that, since Leonardo DiCaprio was Frank Abagnale Jr in the movie

[@JoshBasit]

@@the-ma-an lmao that's so true XD

[@em-up2om]

He’s performed like twice lmao,,

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

*Yet, he hasn't won a Tony* He hasn't been NOMINATED for a Tony, which I think is even more egregious. He certainly deserved a nod for "Next to Normal." But he may finally get his due next year with "Moulin Rouge!"

[@hobog12777]

Why is everyone talking about Tveit... This other guy is like 50 and totally nailed this whole routine.

[@saschahoupt6177]

“The other guy” that’s NLB you heathen.

[@disgruntledcashier503]

That's the awesome thing about Norbert. He was only 44 when he did this show, but he's always looked old for his age. He comes off as a frail old man, but he dances like a 20 year old

[@johnangeloyap9399]

Norbert Leo Butz didn't win a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical twice just to be referred as "the other guy".

[@annie10103]

Came here for Aaron Tveit, stayed for NLB

[@ilsemartinez9866]

annie10103 same

[@comicbookpixi6921]

Two generations of Fiyero... I think I just died.. :') That's right Norbert you pass that torch

[@jaspar38]

In 1997 my sister went to see the RENT, and she got to see it with the original cast. For years I was jealous of her. Recently I was looking at her Playbill, and I noticed something. On the night she went to see it, Adam Pascal was out as Roger. In his place was a young man named Nobert Leo Butz. She got to see him before the TONYs, before "Wicked", before "The Last Five Years", when he was pretty much an unknown.

[@TonyStark-zz6rr]

I think it's just really cool that the real Frank Abagnale Jr. has gotten to see his story by Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks (movie) as well as Aaron Tveit and NLB (Broadway). That's so surreal

[@LisaFosbender]

I was lucky enough to see this show on Broadway. I've seen literally hundreds of Broadway shows over the years, and I've only seen musical numbers stop the show a couple of times. This one did. We would have happily sat there--hell, stood there and clapped and cheered for hours. NLB had to stop us so the show could go on; I suspect he did that a lot. Just a perfect mesh of music, lyrics, choreography, and performance.

[@mckenna8663]

Lisa... I would have LOVED to have been there. THIS song (but more... this PERFORMANCE) is EXCEPTIONAL!! I got into my daughter's car last night- and as a treat, she had this song playing for me. It made my night! I asked her, "who is this singing?" And she nodded - "yes, mom. It's Norbert Leo Butz." Damn RIGHT, it is! Have you SEEN the video of it?? (Mom, how do you think I came to love it? You made me watch it a few times.) Broadway History in a short video clip. Norbert is SUCH a favorite, and this is an example of his best work.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

Same here. I also saw him in Wicked. He I so talented

[@JBBaird715]

I don't know if it's true, but I once read somewhere to prepare for this role, NLB used to sing the vocals to this song while running on the treadmill.

[@woolyfam3153]

Lots of people do to prepare for roles on broadway. Its a great tactic.

[@JBBaird715]

Lauren Woolrych I don't know, that sounds crazy. But I'm not a gym rat anyways.

[@kaylamorello5478]

we did this play in my highschool and the hanratty actor did that.

[@mckenna8663]

Yes... that's a true story. OMG! The man is FANTASTIC!!

[@rosiecoles3627]

I didn't know Norbert done this but I know Aaron prepared for his role in Next to Normal by singing on the treadmill

[@krisushi1]

Aaron certainly has a great set of lungs and Norbert is just amazing during this number.

[@WillScarlet16]

As great as Aaron is, Norbert's performance is definitely hands down the more unique performance - he DESERVED the Tony that year.

[@PrincessMeggala0913]

DEFINITELY deserved that Tony! This performance alone proves it

[@PianoDisneygal10]

Absolutely. But Aaron deserved a nomination. The show rested on his shoulders and he carried it in stride.

[@miaka082000]

My two favorite FIYEROS

[@hannahb4737]

The two best Fiyeros for sure

[@PhuzBee]

I love how NLB plays a college age kid in Wicked (2006) and then 5 years later, plays an older guy in Catch Me If You Can (2011). Gotta love the guy! ♥

[@angelicalicari8355]

Wicked debuted in *2003*, but that's still only 8 years to look 4 decades older, so the point stands.

[@Snakejorts]

Aaron is such a beautiful being. Dat voice

[@mckenna8663]

It cracks me up that (in THIS video) the rave is Aaron. OMG... NORBERT is a genius!!

[@asnalelo.165]

@@mckenna8663 i would say norbert certainly is the rave of this video. give the comments a look.

[@aaronford2184]

Jerry Mitchell's choreography doe!! This video is 4 years old and yet every time I watch it I'm blown away!

[@mckenna8663]

I agree. NLB did a fantastic job... but someone is behind this performance and they deserve credit as well.

[@elandrablue]

I can’t believe that you are seeing this when it was only 4 years old! Now, for me, your comment is 8 years old, and this video is 12 years old! 😮

[@kimmiebraunthal4874]

NLB is a Performer (with a capital P). And Aaron Tveit's voice (and face) makes me melt so hard.

[@LogicallyFilms]

Norbert's performance is ASTOUNDING! His energy is so amazing and he's just...wow.

[@FatimaSorianoOfficial]

NLB... what a mega-talented, amazing guy. This performance was super powerful and he rocked it. He's unstoppable here... and so were his lungs... gosh, what does he do and how does he do it?

[@LauraGalindo]

norbert leo butz is just always having the time of his life

[@bryanlucchesi453]

This is why we work on cardio guys

[@mckenna8663]

Yes... and I want to point out-> NLB is singing and dancing... those in the background are dancing ONLY (lip syncing if they CAN handle it). The background vocals are STANDING backstage. He is an amazement!!

[@HikariDragonRyuu]

I love how Aaron's introduction is timed perfectly with the orchestra.

[@panchish]

nlb moves like a cartoon cop caricature and im OBSESSED he’s amazing

[@burtihal]

He can pretty much do anything. His character here was spot on perfect!

[@heatherrockwell9012]

3:18 The trumpet part, the weird grabbing motions choreography, Norbert's singing, Norbert's kicks, everything about this part is great.

[@laurenkrembs7024]

THE KICKS 🫶🏻🫶🏻

[@huntersullivan247]

God, Norbert is truly one of a kind, what an electrifying stage presence

[@LynnHermione]

Oh my God that dancing, I'm fangirling so hard

[@jamietyler5883]

This made 100% confident he is going to rock in Grease Live as Danny.

[@marisp2588]

And he definately did. And it was amazing.

[@ActorsWithIssuespodcast]

It sucks when one show dominated the Tonys, in this year's case it was Book of Mormon and despite getting good reviews and getting a few awards, Catch Me If You Can still couldn't survive the juggernaut BOM for long :(

[@hskshag00]

Juan Ayala he absolutely deserved it, but I'm surprised NLB won Best Actor. I honestly thought Book of Mormon was gonna sweep everything

[@krisushi1]

At least Norbert got a well deserved award, just can't understand Aaron not being nominated. Ashame when the Tony judges can't be fair & give credit where it's due!

[@isaactindall419]

+krisushi1 I actually disagree. I think Aaron definitely deserved one, but the competition this year was so high that they couldn't give him one. And whilst credit would be due in a year where there isn't such competition, but that year it was so high that he couldn't beat them. Also, he doesn't act for awards, he acts because it's his passion

[@krisushi1]

Isaac Tindall I agree with both your points. It's all about the quality of the nominees that dictates who gets the nod. I doubt also that Aaron cares for awards too. It's easy to tell from his performances that just being out there on stage is more than enough for him.

[@Klespyrian]

+Juan Ayala All I know is I have watched a bunch of the performances from this particularly year's tony awards and I loved quite a few. I don't think they were shadowed, each having something that made it special

[@MisterZebra42]

Saw this show on Broadway, it was FANTASTIC. Super underrated show.

[@elbcrd8846]

My God, this choreagraphie, such a masterpiece

[@laurenredding1419]

But why would you cast Aaron Tveit in a role where he's not wearing a t-shirt? why? why rob us of the beauty of his arms?

[@shaqman145]

There were a couple scenes of him shirtless in the show though.

[@laurenredding1419]

mmmmmmmmm

[@bnelson8296]

I could watch this 1000 times! Damn he's good.

[@mckenna8663]

ABSOLUTELY.. I swear a quarter of these views are mine. hahahaha

[@kenschmidt9540]

I’ve watched this video so many times over the years. It’s one of the best performances ever on the Tony’s. Norbert is amazing and the choreography is fantastic!

[@digitalpretzel]

Legend has it, Norbert's feet are still moving.

[@themograceism]

Norbert Leo Butz is like Broadway legend. I wonder how many flukes there were before he finally got his big break. He's one of the few massive success stories I've ever heard to come out of the theater. Keep on keepin' on, theater geeks.

[@travisroyrogers9083]

norberts performance is simply electrifying

[@litttlevilpixi4]

it's like watching two Fiyero generations... yet I still love both of them...

[@emmamueller3921]

I love Aaron and Norbert so much!!!!! Norbert totally deserved his Tony :))) Aaron deserved one too tho :'(

[@Holokat]

I melt by his face and voice, Gosh... he's so perfect ♥ But I'm also here because of Norbert, he rocks that song!

[@jjrunt]

Seriously this show was amazing, I saw it in previews and it was beyond excellent. I think it's really too bad that it fell in the same year as Book of Mormon because if it had been in any other year it would have been the show to beat, but Book of Mormon just dominated everything in it's path.

[@l3murs]

Except for that one time when Norbz got the Tony and Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells... didn't.

[@jjrunt]

well yeah, but that was the exception. I was so glad he won though I legit cheered

[@annemuir7338]

l3murs I adore NLB and he was very deserving of this Tony win for this incredible performance in the entire show (not just this amazing song + crazy/brilliant choreography). But, gotta add that I'll bet Josh Gad and Andrew Rannells split the vote - and that's why Norbie won this year. All three performances were beyond compare for Tonys 2011.

[@bridgetellen575]

Aaron being chased by an FBI agent... oh the irony!! 😳

[@TonyStark-zz6rr]

Wow. Just wow.

[@ameliamelendez1574]

Bridget Ellen wait I don't get it lol

[@CaptainQuirky]

Aaron played an FBI agent on the TV show Graceland

[@alegreone]

I LOVE Norbert Leo Butz's performance here. Amazing! Haven't seen anyone dance like that since Jimmy Cagney....

[@mbenensoncruz]

God. Butz killed it. What a beast.

[@FunFlirtyFlute]

holy shit....he just keeps going and going! His energy never flags, that's incredible!

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

How did I not recognize that was Enjornas in the Les Miz movie?

[@muzikfreak0303]

He had a curly hair wig on haha. i didn't realize it either

[@mckenna8663]

hahaha... After watching the film, i was told Aaron was in it. Really? Where? Even going back to see - I nearly missed it. i swear! I would be one of those folks who wouldn't recognize Superman after he put on his glasses. **clunk!**

[@dstarrmcd]

Norbert Leo Butz will go down as a Broadway legend!! He is so unbelievably talented!!

[@dots_com1386]

I didn't know Catch Me if you Can is a broadway show! woah. and that's the dude that was in Les Miserables too! :)

[@chazofalsa]

Yep Aaron Tveit who also originated the role of Gabe in Next To Normal, he's gonna be in Moulin Rouge with Karen Olvio starting summer this year so gets those tickets and catch them if you can!!

[@lynnstewart2326]

NLB is the best. Love that energy and stamina. Great voice. There ain't nothin wrong with this guy at all.

[@mzubu]

Absolutely love watch this man perform...

[@PaolaPerri]

OH MY GOOOOOD AARON

[@kassidyj97]

Got to do this musical a few years ago in community theatre. This was the best number to perform in.

[@RJSummer627]

I saw this live in living color and it's probabably one of my favorite shows. It's brilliant. And Aaron Tveit and Norbert Leo Butz are as well.

[@thattheatrenerd1418]

I absolutely love the small detail that the fbi costumes for ensemble have some of the backs looking like the targets used for practice in the first bit of don’t break the rules, small but it makes such a nice reason to have the ensemble there.

[@alejandronart2095]

so amazinggggg

[@TheZeitergeist3]

This show got swallowed by the Book of Mormon.

[@kaitlynparker1381]

TheZeitergeist3 yea but andrew rannells still lost lead actor tony to this...

[@abialston8476]

TheZeitergeist3 I mean I love Book of Mormon but let's be real

[@raspberrycrowns9494]

It's already been 3 years so I don't think a have to tell you...

[@phoenixjoe5520]

This is so much better, sorry but it's just great

[@dmlthegreat]

norbert leo butz's has a very distinctive voice...

[@moonlightfitz]

I remember being obsessed with this in 2011 lol

[@liamlorrain3464]

Lmao I still am.

[@yabbaification]

Absolutely brilliant. I love this!!!

[@btoal2001]

Norbert is beyond amazing. Aaron is beyond amazing. Both of their talents go unmatched and they are joys to behold. But anyone on here that says this show was better than Book of Mormon either didn't see Book or is Aaron's sister. Come on guys BOM was the best musical to come around in years, and held that title until Hamilton

[@mckenna8663]

I will agree; show vs show. But a few years down the road? Between this and BoM? Whereas I would listen to BoM on occasion and smile.... these songs still have me hitting replay over and over.

[@rohanjohn1819]

Bink Hinkle Next to Normal...

[@CBJ1628]

God, I love Aaron Tveit and Norbert Leo Butz

[@emmalynn6177]

Wow I love production numbers

[@orestesandpylades]

Norbert Leo Butz is incredible!!!

[@Snarkysean]

It's a damn shame that this show got cancelled. I wish I could've seen Butz do this live *sigh*

[@bobbytoole318]

Saw this in June before it closed. It was amazing!

[@ChelCM03]

this performance is insane im OBSESSED

[@TheatreFilmBuff]

When I saw Catch Me If You Can in previews, once this number was over I was convinced I just watched a Tony-award winning performance....and I was right. Such a deserving win for him...and the show was great too, better than the short run and the reviews suggested.

[@jerrycaddie838]

This is great for students. How do you make shtick uplifting, watchable and charming without being cringy. This is a masterpiece in that lesson. Every detail is calculated every note hits perfect

[@Sillygoose14111]

Them: Can you sing? me: oh yeah Them: great, let's start the audition me: uh me: what is that Them: that's the treadmill me: Uh I don't think you guys understand. I'm an actor. I'm auditioning for the musical Them: Yeah we know, so hop on and we'll test how you sound at 15 miles per hour

[@maggiehall3471]

We learned the very end of Don't Break The Rules at my summer arts camp for dance placement, and it makes me insanely happy that it is almost the exact same choreo as in this.

[@SupernovaProds]

O didn't know that was Norbert Leo Butz until he won the Tony. lol Fail. I love his voice so much

[@abnormallycrazy1313]

aaron tveit is frickin' FANTASTIC

[@apeygirl]

I can't say this enough. Butz deserved every award for this! He was unrecognizable here and just amazing! Amazing work!

[@coolbae1998]

Spotted, Tripp Vanderbilt singing at Tony's, xoxo gossip girl 💋

[@Twiflyfan19]

i LOVE Aaron Tveit!

[@karaokegirl1313]

My first thought upon seeing this was "my gosh, Norbert Leo Butz got old" then, I remembered the first picture i ever saw of him was from Wicked about 10 years ago...Even so, he super awesome!

[@urmyMUSE117]

hes a beast...gotta love norbert :)

[@JaneMagdalena]

i had no idea there was a Broadway musical about this! Imagine being the real Frank Abignale. Making it in your life even through fraud and then having a movie AND a Broadway show about your life. That's crazy

[@SarahBASHful]

Holy Mama! What a talent!

[@emmal9534]

NLB’s dance routine in this song is out of the world!!! Just watched a Hong Kong production of the show, they had to cut NLB’s insane tap dancing of this part and replaced it with something much easier.

[@spencer748]

I love catch me if you can

[@numbernine5894]

The lighting is amazing

[@snowwhiteandprince1]

I love Aaron tveit much xxxxxx

[@sweeneydeppjr]

..Aaron *melts*

[@katielawrence5420]

I love Aaron Tveit and Norbert Leo Butz.

[@MorgansSong]

God love Norbert Leo Butz. I love that man.

[@irenakaczmarek]

Ten tancerz jest SUPER!!!!

[@TheHillcoat]

This just defines the word fun!!!!

[@gerardyatcilla4839]

incredible!!!

[@GroovyShelly]

He stole the show and this number shows you how he did it.

[@mckenna8663]

AMEN!

[@coralreef4184]

Wow, I wish I saw this... I loved the movie :)

[@pallafox]

HOLY LEO NORBERT!! He's still manage to kill it!

[@gerardyatcilla3597]

Amazing

[@EricGyamfighettotastic]

I'm living for this

[@selenamichele27]

OH MY GOD YOU'RE A STARKID. THIS IS TOTALLY AWESOME.

[@ivanpaszkowski6116]

Norbert es re fachero amigo

[@aislinnwaltersmusic]

Am I the only one who came here only for Aaron? Gosh, Aaron is just so amazing. I could melt at his voice.

[@apeygirl]

Norbert Leo Butz. What a horrible name for a tremendous, versatile talent. Seriously. that supposedly middle-aged FBI agent is about 30. The voice, the body language, the commitment! No one can ever say this man didn't deserve this award!

[@ByronDZero]

Fiyero x 2!!!!!

[@gerardyatcilla3597]

so digging this

[@DeliciousHotShmoze]

I guess that part where the sound cuts out was actually in the original broadcast and not just an audio glitch with this upload. I would also guess it was intentional since it happens over the “Screw someone’s daughter or his wife” line.