An extraordinary and exhilarating new musical by Peter Sham (book & lyrics) & Kevin Purcell (music)
Based on the best-selling 1952 novel by David Dodge, this original musical adaptation is made possible through the permission of the
Estate of David Dodge.
To Catch A Thief is beloved by generations of avid crime and myster/thriller readers. For many, the title is synonmous with the Oscar-winning film adaptation by Alfred Hitchcock for Paramount Pictures in 1955.
The story nevertheless is all the work of American author, David Dodge. With his family; wife, Elva and daughter, Kendal, the Dodges resided in a house – the Villa Noel Fleuri – on a hill in Golfe Juan between Juan-Les-Pins and Cannes on the French Riviera between 1950-52.
Inspired by a real-life cat burglary that occurred next to the house in which they were living, Dodge created a story so remarkable in its imaginative plotting, Hitchcock purchased the rights to the novel prior to publication. The background to the novel’s extraordinary creation is covered in detail by Randal Brandt who oversees the separate website, A David Dodge Companion.
World Premiere 2025
LATEST NEWS
To Catch A Thief: The Musical continues its journey in March 2025 when it will have its first, full Staged, Workshop at Skylight Music Theatre in Milwaukee, WI, March 13-15, 2024. The performances will feature a cast of twenty-seven with a seven-piece orchestra directed by Michael Unger. One of Milwaukee’s treasures. The Skylight gives over 90 performances each season, winning national praise for its artistic excellence, versatility, and virtuoso ensemble productions. Emphasizing the development of emerging American artists, directors, and designers, Skylight Music Theatre attracts important new talent from around the country. With extended rehearsal and production periods, Skylight artists are able to hone their skills, expand their repertoire, and gain invaluable experience.
Skylight Music Theatre’s Cabot Theatre is a replica of an 18th century, Jewel Box Opera House – Le théâtre de la Coupe d’Or, in Rochefort France.
To Catch A Thief: The Musical plans to arrive on London’s West End in 2026, with a Broadway premiere expected in 2027. The new musical features book and lyrics by BTC artistic director, Peter Sham (Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical and Sherlock Holmes and the Great Royal Goose Chase), and a musical score by award-winning composer and musical director, Kevin Purcell (Castle Gillian: An Irish Tale, The Stranger From Seville and Rebecca: The Musical).
To Catch a Thief: The Musical had a very successful first table read at Open Jar Studios, 48th & Broadway, on December 18, 2023.
Photo: Martin Platt (producer), David Elliott (producer), Stephanie Klapper (casting director) and the first table-read cast of To Catch A Thief: The Musical. Photo by Peter Sham (writer).