The Cat, Thing 1 and Thing 2 and the brother-and-sister duo of The Boy and Sally are among the iconic characters from a beloved classic book who become three-dimensional delights in the stage adaptation, “Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat,” opening Friday at the Kennedy Theatre Mainstage.

The production is presented by the theater and University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

“This is one of the first books that children learn to read and it is thrilling to see it come to life onstage,” said director Nathaniel Niemi. “The show is very fun and entertaining — think big physical comedy.”

“Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat” features Sally and her brother, who are stuck at home on a rainy day while their mother is away. The Cat pops in and shows the children how to make their own fun. All seems under control until The Cat introduces Thing 1 and Thing 2, and mayhem is unleashed.

The production has a style of live-action cartooning and really engages the imagination of the audience, Niemi said.

“This is truly a show the whole family will enjoy,” he said. “It’s bright, funny and action-packed.”