By Sydney Sangster
Parker Theatre (formally known as Utah Children’s Theatre) is beginning their run of The Cat in the Hat, directed Meighan Smith, with artistic director Joanne M. Parker and stage manager Nellie Kelly in Salt Lake City. And you need to scamper on over to have some fun with this classic tail/tale.
The Cat in the Hat is a children’s book written and illustrated by Dr. Seuss, first published in 1957. Adapted into a play and presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI), this performance tells a two-part story about not only The Cat in the Hat, but also the creation of the story. Parker Theatre welcomes and embraces children in this magical performance of The Cat in the Hat.
At just 60 minutes plus an intermission, this play is short enough to keep children engaged, but long enough to tell a compelling story. With exciting surprises (set and light design by James B. Parker) and impressive props (Larissa Anderson), children and adults alike will wonder what’s coming next. Costume designer Julie Anderson perfectly captures the essence of Dr. Seuss’ classic looks with bright colors, polka dots, and crazy hairstyles.
In the first 30 minutes, watch as Dr. Seuss (Bryson Dumas) tries to think of a new book idea. This piece is written by Director Smith to supplement and prepare for Act Two’s The Cat in the Hat. As he desperately attempts to write, a “Stink in his think” (John Sandorf) does everything he can to distract and disrupt him. As The Stink steals the typewriter, eats his papers, and hides from Dr. Seuss, children are encouraged to shout and to help the Seussians (Alina Smith, Maddox Thompson,and Alexis Bitner) stop him. With big facial expressions and plenty of interaction, each audience member feels as if the actors are talking directly to them.
After a 15-minute intermission to purchase giant cookies, frosted cupcakes, and brownie sundaes, the second half of the play begins. In just 30 minutes, the actors change roles and act out the entire story of The Cat in the Hat. The mischevious Cat (Tom S. Roche) visits Sally (A. Smith) and her brother (Sandorf) on a rainy day. In an attempt to create a fun day, The Cat brings in two friends, Thing 1 (Thompson) and Thing 2 (Bitner). The Things wreak havoc on the family home as The Fish (Dumas) begs the children to get rid of The Cat. In the end, The Cat helps to clean up the disaster and we’re left to wonder if the whole thing was all in the children’s imagination.
The actors all do a wonderful job in this performance. A. Smith, who plays a Seussian and Sally, is only in 8th grade, but impressively performs on par with the rest of her cast. Bryson Dumas plays Dr. Seuss and The Fish. In each role, he connects well with the other actors and continually finds unique ways to engage the audience.
The Cat in the Hat at Parker Theatre (Utah Children’s Theatre) in Salt Lake City, presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, is an interactive way to enjoy a classic Dr. Seuss tale. You and your children are sure to leave with smiles on your faces.
Parker Theatre/ Utah Children’s Theatre presents The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss and MTI.
Parker Theatre, 3605 South State Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115.
January 25 – February 22, 2020 Friday 7:00 PM. Saturday 1:00 PM, 4:30 PM.
Tickets: $22
Contact: 801-532-6000, boxoffice@uctheatre.org
Parker Theatre Official Website
Parker Theatre Facebook Page
The Cat in the Hat Facebook Event
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