Little Boy, Be A Man (from Catch Me If You Can): Piano Vocal

This character song captures the vulnerability of a transformative moment with music that never condescends to its young protagonist. The piano writing provides room for genuine interpretation rather than requiring vocal pyrotechnics, making it accessible for advanced high school singers and young adults learning to convey emotional depth through restraint.

A quiet moment of reckoning with growing up, intimate and tender without sentimentality. The music holds both the innocence of childhood and the gravity of what it means to step into manhood.

Advanced high school singers, college-level music theater students, and mature young adult performers developing their craft in contemporary musical theater repertoire. Directors seeking a substantial character piece that rewards thoughtful interpretation rather than vocal display.

• Shape the vocal line with attention to the subtext of growing up. The melody should feel conversational initially, then grow in confidence as the song progresses.
• Balance the piano accompaniment so it supports without overwhelming the singer. Shaiman's orchestral thinking requires clear voicing choices at the keyboard.
• Find the emotional through-line from uncertainty to resolve. This is a song about becoming, not a song about declaring; let that journey unfold rather than performing it.

Include this in concert programming featuring American musical theater classics, or as a feature for a senior voice recital showcasing contemporary composition. It pairs naturally with other Shaiman songs or with character pieces from recent Broadway scores.

• Interpreting modern musical theater vocal style with emotional authenticity
• Navigating song structure that prioritizes character development over vocal display
• Collaborating with accompanist to achieve lyrical phrasing and dynamic balance
• Understanding contemporary compositional harmonic language in popular song context