Did you know that Green Eggs and Ham was written on a dare to create a book using only 50 different words? If you attended The Children’s Theater of Cincinnati’s production of Cat in the Hat you would know that and oh so much more. While I will not achieve Dr. Seuss’ clever 50-word limit, I will aim to be short and clever, which is exactly how I would describe this show. It literally brings to life its namesake book across every single element and invites you into the magical world of Dr. Seuss’s creation—from the stitches on their clothes to the books balancing on their nose, oh the places you will go when you attend this show.
TCT always does a brilliant job, but outdid themselves with the full experience of pre- and post-show activities. Forty-five minutes of scavenger hunts before, followed by Q&A and pictures with the cast after the show. Cat in the Hat debuted their Showtime Series at their new Showtime Theater on Red Bank Road, enabling a more intimate and immersive environment both in and outside the theater. If you haven’t been there yet, their new location is a delight! Previous production puppets and set decorations inhabiting every nook and cranny and they have an amazing breadth of kids’ classes.
Now put on your learning hat and let’s get back to everyone’s favorite mischievous cat. The narrative and sounds deliver the rhyme with a flare that every parent aims for at bedtime. The set transports you into the pages of Dr. Seuss’s world. You’ll find yourself feeling a bit nostalgic as you realize they have hit every single detail–from Sally’s bow to the disapproving fish in his bowl. But they do a bit more, delivering pure and utter imaginative fun.
From immersing you in the fish bowl with bubbles raining down, to a game of catch with a giant “ball”, to the chasing Thing 1 and Thing 2 across the aisles, this is quite possibly the best rainy day you have ever experienced. While the cast and costumers are superb, the Cat in the Hat is the star by far. His expressions manage to convey the plotting at play, but with an eye towards bringing the audience in to stay. Quite simply, the show is a treat and the cast that you meet will keep you in your seat!
Don’t wait for a rainy day to enjoy The Cat in the Hat. It runs until July 9th and is a show your family will enjoy. It was the absolute perfect production for my seven-year-old and her friend. They knew the story well, picked up on the nuances, and are just on the cusp of recognizing the heavy imaginary ball isn’t real but still choose to play. Please don’t delay, grab your favorite little ones and come make it a day.
“You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So…get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss
Christi Geary is the proud mom of two girls under 10, best friend and wife of her husband Brian, and an Associate Director at the Procter & Gamble Company focused on shopper insights and analytics. She enjoys art of all kinds, feeds an insatiable curiosity for learning, pursues different forms of exercise when she
Imaginative & fun review. Definitely an incentive for indulging in a performance of Cat in the Hat. Thanks for sharing!
Imaginative & fun review. Definitely an incentive for indulging in a performance of Cat in the Hat. Thanks for sharing!
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