The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati’s The Cat in the Hat is a whimsical and deceptively simplistic show. For so many, this could very well be your child’s (or your own) first foray into the world of contemporary theatre or even professional clowning. And a worthy first foray it is. The Cat in the Hat is running weekends at the Taft through February 23.
The Story Follows the Classic Book
The story of The Cat in the Hat, originally written by Dr. Seuss and published in 1957, has a plot as simple as this: Two Children, Conrad and Sally (and their pet goldfish) are home alone on a rainy day while their mother is out. A tall black and white cat in a red bowtie and titular hat arrives causing chaos and mischief turning their rainy day around and unleashing all sorts of chaotic fun. Also, part of the plot is the ever looming threat of the children’s mother returning to see the house in disrepair. The play is just as straight forward. There is very little dialogue to be found outside of occasional Seussical narration, which lends this play a charm and fun that anyone of any age can enjoy.
Add a Little Circus Magic
The play is comprised of what I can only describe as cirque du soleil meets Dr. Seuss. The opening of the show is a full 10-minute long circus act regarding a mysteriously green and feather clad individual who cannot get his hat which has seemingly blown into a tree. A troupe of circus performers attempt to help him get his hat down several times, before the show officially begins. This dialogue-less circus performance sets the tone of the show excellently, bringing the audience slowly into this avant garde whimsical world. To say much more would be to ruin the cat’s fun, which I am sure he would not enjoy.
Bob Herzog IS the Cat in the Hat
Speaking of the cat, Bob Herzog, of Channel 12 fame, brings a level of unmatched energy to the title role. He is a combination of Jim Carrey’s Grinch, Michael Myer’s take on the cat, and his own fun family-friendly energy. He mutters annoyances and exclamations of joy when his tricks and surprises work and don’t work. His physicality is on full display here as he moves in slow motion, balances on a giant red ball, and even drives a clean-machine across the stage! The other actors bring their own level of fun and curiosity to their roles, all reacting in turn to the cat’s crazy antics, which just ramp up further and further.
The production is beautifully directed by A. James Jones and is one that Theodore Geisel (Dr. Seuss) would be proud of. The set (Samatha Reno, Scenic Design) is minimalistic, allowing the audience’s imagination to fill in the blanks as the cat mime’s a tennis ball, a balloon, and many other things. As the show progresses the stage undergoes a transformation from boring plain living room to big-top circus tent and more.
Overall, a GREAT Time
Overall, there is truly nothing negative to write about when it comes to reviewing this show. I did have the advantage of having my 7-year-old niece with me, so I can say that from a child’s perspective, there are (and I counted) MANY big laughs. (If you know her, she can be a tough critic.) She had a blast. She wants to come back to the Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati to see more shows as this one is such a fun time. So for her it is a 10/10. For me, that is as good of a review as I can publish!
Tickets to The Cat in the Hat
The Cat in the Hat is currently running at The Taft Theatre, just this weekend and next. Go to thechildrenstheatre.com and get your tickets today. You won’t regret it.
- Recommended Age: 4+
- Running Time: 60 minutes
