Fly, Fly Away (from Catch Me If You Can): Lead Sheet / Fake Book

This lead sheet captures a song with genuine theatrical momentum and a vocal line that sits naturally for singers without requiring excessive range. The harmonic language is accessible yet interesting, offering pianists and keyboardists the chance to voice chords with some style without needing advanced jazz theory.

Energetic and forward-moving, with a melody that suggests both comedy and genuine emotion. The song carries the buoyant, slightly cheeky spirit of musical theater that doesn't take itself too seriously while remaining emotionally truthful.

Vocalists preparing audition material or concert programming, music theater ensembles developing solo features, and keyboardists building a library of contemporary Broadway repertoire that moves quickly and sits well on stage.

• Pay attention to the song's narrative arc; the melody should feel like it's propelling the story forward, so avoid lingering on phrases even when tempted by pretty harmonies.
• The lead sheet format invites interpretation, so consider how the accompaniment can shift between verses to create contrast without losing the song's buoyancy.
• Balance the vocal line with enough harmonic color from the keyboard to feel supportive rather than simply filling background space.

This works beautifully as a solo feature in a pops concert or theater revue, or as an audition piece for students exploring contemporary musical theater writing. Its two-page length makes it ideal for programs needing a compact but substantial vocal moment.

• Interpreting lead sheet notation and making harmonic choices
• Phrasing theater music for storytelling clarity
• Accompanying a vocal line with rhythmic independence at the keyboard
• Managing harmonic voicing choices within a contemporary musical theater context