by McKenzie Murray for OLY ARTS
Beginning September 29, the iconic Cat in the Hat himself will appear on the Olympia Family Theater mainstage. OFT’s fall production, based on the Dr. Seuss story, follows a curious cat who comes to wreak imaginative havoc in the home of Sally and her (unnamed) brother. A cast of six seasoned actors will take audiences on a rollicking journey through the siblings’ rainy, zany afternoon.
For many, the story of The Cat in the Hat is emblematic of childhood. That’s why OFT is proud to present an adaptation that remains faithful to the book but delights in translating its blocking and characters to the stage. “So many people are so familiar with the book or the TV special that it creates a sort of expectation,” says director Kate Ayers. “But that’s also part of the fun of it. Our script is pretty much exactly the book in terms of dialogue, but we can expand on what the book and pictures give us. For example, in the book you’ll have a picture of the Cat on a ball — but how does he get there? Those ‘between-the-pages’ decisions are where we have a lot of creative freedom.”
With a run time of only one hour and “nothing scary,” according to Ayers, the play is perfect for young children. But OFT encourages audiences of all ages to see The Cat in the Hat, which will feature the iconic images and beloved characters from the book — including Thing One and Thing Two. “Adults will definitely not be bored,” says Ayers. “They’re going to see some things on stage that perhaps they’ve never seen before.”
What: Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat
Where: Olympia Family Theater,
612 Fourth Ave. E, Olympia
When: 7 p.m. Fridays except Oct. 6;
2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, September 29 – October 22
How much: $13-$16 (Oct. 5 is pay-what-you-can)
Learn more: 360-570-1638 | OFT