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Well, I said if I ever did another Dr. Seuss list, I’d do it in rhyme…

(glances at watch)

…I believe fate’s decided that here and now is that time.

(cracks knuckles) Ahem…ho, boy, this is gonna be tough…but let it never be said no challenge was too rough for this looney nutcase to thus undertake! With my sheer force of will, this will be a piece of cake!

When we last discussed Seuss, our focus was the Grinch. Exploring the Mean One’s versions was a cinch. But now it is time for the Cat in the Hat: Seuss’ most famous character, no doubt about that! There have been several versions of this fancy cat – on screen and onstage – that have come up to bat, but which were the best? Well, I am no great judge…but I hope this quick list none of you will begrudge as I share my own favorites; my picks from the bunch of these fancy felines, and I do have a hunch that some picks will surprise you – at least one or two – as I give these top-hatted kitties their fair and just due. So sit back and relax on your best chair or mat! Here are My Top 5 Favorite Takes on The Cat in the Hat!

5. Martin Short, from The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!
This award-winning series is based on some books, called “The Learning Library,” in which the Cat took his friends Nick and Sally, as well as his Things, and the grouchy old Fish in a set of new wings called the Thingamajigger, a brand new device! The books all taught science, which is always nice. The cartoon show follows the formula well, and the magnificent Martin Short is just swell as the voice of the Cat; he’s exuberant, fun! The animation style is also well-done. Filled with songs and surprises, it’s fun for all ages, and often feels straight out of Seuss’ own pages. Whether exploring the sea, or flying through the air, this Cat in the Hat proves, that from here to there, funny things truly are everywhere!

4. The Version from The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss!
This short-lived Jim Henson show, it must be stated, is truly, sorely, quite underrated. The host of the show, you may guess, was the Cat…and two different folks got to handle his hat! In the very first season, Bruce Lanoil took the part; then the Cat was a trickster who had a good heart. Gifted with jazzy style and a wee bit of snark, every adventure with him was a lark! But when Season 2 happened, a lot of things changed; not so much for the worse, but clearly still rearranged. Instead of one story told in typical fashion, it worked more like a clip show, with small stories rationed inside of a larger and simpler frame. Not even the Cat here could remain the same. Enter Martin P. Robinson, a new puppeteer; his Cat in the Hat had a gentler veneer. He was playful and sweet; one might even say cute! His Playhouse home was our main set, to boot! Both of these felines were excellent takes, and their work together still really makes this show what it is, and it works for me fine! Hence why this hatted Cat is a favorite of mine.

3. Allan Sherman, from The Cat in the Hat (1971) AND Dr. Seuss on the Loose!
There have been many shorts that have featured the Cat, and several voice actors have all tried on his hat. The great Henry Gibson in “Daisy-Head Mayzie;” he narrated a story with Tim Curry (never lazy). Mason Adams, who you’ll know from Smucker’s Ads fame, in “The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat!” (Now there’s a long short name.) But I think Allan Sherman’s my personal fave; in two different specials it can be said he gave his very best work in the role of the Cat; with a smooth, sweet, and charming air, all at once, that was befitting a figure of Seussian lore; one who, in fact, had not appeared before on the screen at that time. Yes, my dear readers, Sherman was the first! And obviously no one could call him the worst. In the very first take on the Dr. Seuss tale he handled the Cat; then came back to regale every viewer who watch “Dr. Seuss on the Loose!” as a singing narrator who came and introduced three stories to us all told by Hans Conried. But we’ve still two more spots left; hurry readers! Go on! Read!

2. Matt Frewer, from In Search of Dr. Seuss.
I’m willing to bet that many now reading have not heard of this film. I suppose you’ll be needing a quick little crash course on this special flick. (I swear not to dawdle; I’ll try to be quick.) “In Search” was a strange documentary product. It had a low budget, but did have the good luck to feature some big names of both stage and screen; Patrick Stewart, Robin Williams, and others you’ve seen in all sorts of places! Matt Frewer’s the same. Telling Seuss’ own story was the name of his game. A live-action feline who predates poor Mike Myers (whose own Cat in the Hat should be flattened by tires), the film tells the story of Ted Geisel himself, presented by characters you’ve seen on the shelf of just about every library all over! From American shores to the White Cliffs of Dover! Yes, Seuss’ own characters tell us HIS story; the film is quite funny, so don’t fear and don’t worry: it never gets boring, or dissolves into schlock…and Max Headroom as the Cat?! AND IT’S GOOD?! What a shock!

But while all of these Cats hit the mark, never missed, there’s only one cat who can now top this list…

1. David Shiner, from the Original Broadway Cast of Seussical.
I think it may surprise some of you now to know “Seussical” is my favorite musical show! Which is really quite odd, with my sense of taste; as a guy who loves darkness, it seems quite a waste to some, I imagine, to place something this odd above shows like “Phantom” or dear “Sweeney Todd!” But it’s true all the same; I cannot tell a lie! However, I don’t think I can really say why. So we’ll leave off there now, and return to the Cat! In order to do so, I must point out that Seussical is one of the most performed plays of musical theatre around the U.S.A. So it goes without saying that many a gent, and even some ladies, have all gone and leant their own special talents to playing this fellow! Some are eccentric, and some are more mellow. But in my own opinion, the best was the first: well-known clown David Shiner, who perhaps was then cursed. Yes, at the time, critics all slammed Shiner’s work; said he wasn’t cut out for it, called him a jerk who should not be onstage; they mangled this performer. When the Cat was recast (twice), reactions were somewhat warmer. But in several eyes since then – and mine are among those – Shiner’s work was just fine, and whenever I close my brown eyes and listen to the Broadway CD, his voice IS the Cat’s voice! And in clips you can see that, while fairly untrained, there’s personality to the way that he moves; and thus, when he was cast, David Shiner proclaimed he was having a blast! His placement is unconventional, to say the least…but this is my own opinion. Just the nature of the beast. And so now I proclaim with great cheering here that David Shiner is My Favorite Cat in the Hat!

Other Honorable Mentions Include…

Cathy Rigby, from Seussical.
When poor David Shiner was forced to retire from the role of the Cat, Rosie O’Donnell was hired. She was not around long, so the producer-man called on great Cathy Rigby; famous as Peter Pan! Rigby played the part well, this cannot be denied; and a recent reprisal must surely imply that this role is just perfect for one of her skill! Proving being a woman does not make you ill-suited when it comes to playing this fabulous role! Peter Pan Meets Dr. Seuss? Who wouldn’t be sold?!

Marcus Lewis, from Living Books: The Cat in the Hat.
Part of a series of PC kids games that taught them to read with songs not-too-lame. I actually played this a lot as a kid, so I think Lewis’ voice has got stuck in my id, sinking deep in my brain, and when I read the book certain phrases of his still creep through every nook in my childhood mind, sweet and lovely and fine. It may not be well-known, but it’s a favorite of mine.

…HA HA! I DID IT! YES! I AM THE GREATEST!

Don’t ask: I won’t do it again! What are you, a sadist?

Description

Well, I said if I ever did another Dr. Seuss list, I’d do it in rhyme…

(glances at watch)

…I believe fate’s decided that here and now is that time.

(cracks knuckles) Ahem…ho, boy, this is gonna be tough…but let it never be said no challenge was too rough for this looney nutcase to thus undertake! With my sheer force of will, this will be a piece of cake!

When we last discussed Seuss, our focus was the Grinch. Exploring the Mean One’s versions was a cinch. But now it is time for the Cat in the Hat: Seuss’ most famous character, no doubt about that! There have been several versions of this fancy cat – on screen and onstage – that have come up to bat, but which were the best? Well, I am no great judge…but I hope this quick list none of you will begrudge as I share my own favorites; my picks from the bunch of these fancy felines, and I do have a hunch that some picks will surprise you – at least one or two – as I give these top-hatted kitties their fair and just due. So sit back and relax on your best chair or mat! Here are My Top 5 Favorite Takes on The Cat in the Hat!

5. Martin Short, from The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!
This award-winning series is based on some books, called “The Learning Library,” in which the Cat took his friends Nick and Sally, as well as his Things, and the grouchy old Fish in a set of new wings called the Thingamajigger, a brand new device! The books all taught science, which is always nice. The cartoon show follows the formula well, and the magnificent Martin Short is just swell as the voice of the Cat; he’s exuberant, fun! The animation style is also well-done. Filled with songs and surprises, it’s fun for all ages, and often feels straight out of Seuss’ own pages. Whether exploring the sea, or flying through the air, this Cat in the Hat proves, that from here to there, funny things truly are everywhere!

4. The Version from The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss!
This short-lived Jim Henson show, it must be stated, is truly, sorely, quite underrated. The host of the show, you may guess, was the Cat…and two different folks got to handle his hat! In the very first season, Bruce Lanoil took the part; then the Cat was a trickster who had a good heart. Gifted with jazzy style and a wee bit of snark, every adventure with him was a lark! But when Season 2 happened, a lot of things changed; not so much for the worse, but clearly still rearranged. Instead of one story told in typical fashion, it worked more like a clip show, with small stories rationed inside of a larger and simpler frame. Not even the Cat here could remain the same. Enter Martin P. Robinson, a new puppeteer; his Cat in the Hat had a gentler veneer. He was playful and sweet; one might even say cute! His Playhouse home was our main set, to boot! Both of these felines were excellent takes, and their work together still really makes this show what it is, and it works for me fine! Hence why this hatted Cat is a favorite of mine.

3. Allan Sherman, from The Cat in the Hat (1971) AND Dr. Seuss on the Loose!
There have been many shorts that have featured the Cat, and several voice actors have all tried on his hat. The great Henry Gibson in “Daisy-Head Mayzie;” he narrated a story with Tim Curry (never lazy). Mason Adams, who you’ll know from Smucker’s Ads fame, in “The Grinch Grinches the Cat in the Hat!” (Now there’s a long short name.) But I think Allan Sherman’s my personal fave; in two different specials it can be said he gave his very best work in the role of the Cat; with a smooth, sweet, and charming air, all at once, that was befitting a figure of Seussian lore; one who, in fact, had not appeared before on the screen at that time. Yes, my dear readers, Sherman was the first! And obviously no one could call him the worst. In the very first take on the Dr. Seuss tale he handled the Cat; then came back to regale every viewer who watch “Dr. Seuss on the Loose!” as a singing narrator who came and introduced three stories to us all told by Hans Conried. But we’ve still two more spots left; hurry readers! Go on! Read!

2. Matt Frewer, from In Search of Dr. Seuss.
I’m willing to bet that many now reading have not heard of this film. I suppose you’ll be needing a quick little crash course on this special flick. (I swear not to dawdle; I’ll try to be quick.) “In Search” was a strange documentary product. It had a low budget, but did have the good luck to feature some big names of both stage and screen; Patrick Stewart, Robin Williams, and others you’ve seen in all sorts of places! Matt Frewer’s the same. Telling Seuss’ own story was the name of his game. A live-action feline who predates poor Mike Myers (whose own Cat in the Hat should be flattened by tires), the film tells the story of Ted Geisel himself, presented by characters you’ve seen on the shelf of just about every library all over! From American shores to the White Cliffs of Dover! Yes, Seuss’ own characters tell us HIS story; the film is quite funny, so don’t fear and don’t worry: it never gets boring, or dissolves into schlock…and Max Headroom as the Cat?! AND IT’S GOOD?! What a shock!

But while all of these Cats hit the mark, never missed, there’s only one cat who can now top this list…

1. David Shiner, from the Original Broadway Cast of Seussical.
I think it may surprise some of you now to know “Seussical” is my favorite musical show! Which is really quite odd, with my sense of taste; as a guy who loves darkness, it seems quite a waste to some, I imagine, to place something this odd above shows like “Phantom” or dear “Sweeney Todd!” But it’s true all the same; I cannot tell a lie! However, I don’t think I can really say why. So we’ll leave off there now, and return to the Cat! In order to do so, I must point out that Seussical is one of the most performed plays of musical theatre around the U.S.A. So it goes without saying that many a gent, and even some ladies, have all gone and leant their own special talents to playing this fellow! Some are eccentric, and some are more mellow. But in my own opinion, the best was the first: well-known clown David Shiner, who perhaps was then cursed. Yes, at the time, critics all slammed Shiner’s work; said he wasn’t cut out for it, called him a jerk who should not be onstage; they mangled this performer. When the Cat was recast (twice), reactions were somewhat warmer. But in several eyes since then – and mine are among those – Shiner’s work was just fine, and whenever I close my brown eyes and listen to the Broadway CD, his voice IS the Cat’s voice! And in clips you can see that, while fairly untrained, there’s personality to the way that he moves; and thus, when he was cast, David Shiner proclaimed he was having a blast! His placement is unconventional, to say the least…but this is my own opinion. Just the nature of the beast. And so now I proclaim with great cheering here that David Shiner is My Favorite Cat in the Hat!

Other Honorable Mentions Include…

Cathy Rigby, from Seussical.
When poor David Shiner was forced to retire from the role of the Cat, Rosie O’Donnell was hired. She was not around long, so the producer-man called on great Cathy Rigby; famous as Peter Pan! Rigby played the part well, this cannot be denied; and a recent reprisal must surely imply that this role is just perfect for one of her skill! Proving being a woman does not make you ill-suited when it comes to playing this fabulous role! Peter Pan Meets Dr. Seuss? Who wouldn’t be sold?!

Marcus Lewis, from Living Books: The Cat in the Hat.
Part of a series of PC kids games that taught them to read with songs not-too-lame. I actually played this a lot as a kid, so I think Lewis’ voice has got stuck in my id, sinking deep in my brain, and when I read the book certain phrases of his still creep through every nook in my childhood mind, sweet and lovely and fine. It may not be well-known, but it’s a favorite of mine.

…HA HA! I DID IT! YES! I AM THE GREATEST!

Don’t ask: I won’t do it again! What are you, a sadist?