FROM A PRESS RELEASE
CHICAGO ( November 10, 2009 ) ― Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to present THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL, one of the world's greatest classic tales brought to life on stage for the first time. Based on the beloved book by Dodie Smith,THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a one-of-a-kind adventure for the entire family. The show will make its Chicago premiere at the Cadillac Palace Theatre ( 151 W. Randolph St. ) for a limited two-week engagement February 16 — 28, 2010. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 18, 2009 at 10 a.m.
The musical is led by an award-winning creative team including four-time Tony Award winning director Jerry Zaks ( A Bronx Tale, Smokey Joe's Café, Guys and Dolls ) , acclaimed book writer and co-lyricist BT McNicholl ( Billy Elliot, Spamalot, The IT Girl ) , and Dennis DeYoung, founding member of the legendary rock band STYX, on board as composer and co-lyricist.
In keeping with the spirit of the beloved original story, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL promises a quirky, upside-down view of the world, where the audience is allowed to see life from a dog's point of view. The stage musical will transport theatergoers into an exciting and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle. In addition to the bevy of talented human actors, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL will showcase fifteen talented Dalmatians, many of which were rescued from animal shelters across the country and given a new lease on life with this starring role.
Heading the cast of 30 is Drama Desk Award-winning actress Rachel York who will play the infamous Cruella De Vil. Featuring James Ludwig as Pongo, the cast also includes Chip Abbott, Joel Blum, Sammy Borla, Jeff Scot Carey, Kristy Cavanaugh, Lydia Clemente, Piper Curda, Joseph Dellger, Madeleine Doherty, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Julie Foldesi, Garrett Hawe, Michael Thomas Holmes, Robert Anthony Jones, Kevin C. Loomis, Erin Maguire, Mike Masters, Neal Mayer, Catherine Missal, Ah-Niyah Yonay Neal, Catia Ojeda, Clark Kelley Oliver, Chuck Ragsdale, Gabriel Rush, Molly Sorohan, Kendra Tate, Kristen Beth Williams and Emma Zaks.
THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL follows Dalmatians spouses Pongo and Missis Pongo who are living the good life in London with their "pets" Charles and Catherine Dearly. When their 10 puppies are suddenly "dognapped" by the villainous Cruella de Vil, they summon the help of a vast network of dogs and set off to rescue their pups. There's a happy ending for all with laughter, mayhem and music along the way.
"We are thrilled to be bringing the beloved classic story of 101 Dalmatians to life and to audiences across the country this fall," said Lee D. Marshall, Co-Founder of Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions. "The inspiration for the production's unique and delightful concept came directly from re-discovering the original 1957 novel. Now over 50 years later, the 101 Dalmatians tale continues to bring joy to families and we are confident our talented creative team will inspire theatergoers of all ages through THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL's unique story-telling, amazing new music and tremendous performances."
Director Jerry Zaks added, "We felt it was very important to accurately portray the look and feel of the original book, -- which tells the story from the dog's point-of-view -- in a way that translates to the stage. Humans will be presented in a heightened form of dress and scale so as to appear larger than life, and the actors who play the animals will thus seem more human than their humans. As for the lovable Dalmatians, they will have no ears, no paws — but rather a clever use of costumes in a black-and-white palette that will immediately set them apart from the human characters. THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a universal tale about a parent's love for their children and how they must band together during a difficult time."
The show's lively contemporary score and soundtrack was composed by Grammy nominated and People's Choice Award winner Dennis DeYoung. As former singer of the legendary rock band STYX, DeYoung composed such unforgettable, timeless hits as "Babe," "Come Sail Away," "The Best of Times" and "Mr. Roboto." With THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL, he brings his pop rock flair to an array of original songs destined to become popular material to kids and adults alike. These include: "One-Hundred-and-One Dalmatians," "Twilight Barking," "One True Love," "Cruella Always Gets Her Way" and "Be A Little Braver."
"I love having the opportunity to give musical life to the outrageous Cruella De Vil, what composer wouldn't? ( Mozart perhaps, but I digress ) . But more importantly to try and create a score that will stay with the audience long after they have left the theater. As in days of old, musical theater music should aspire to be relevant both in and out of dramatic context. With that in mind, it might be time to start teaching your dogs to sing," said Dennis DeYoung, composer and co-lyricist for THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL.
The musical is produced by Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions, Troika Entertainment and international producer Luis Alvarez.
THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL also features a surprise grand finale showcasing the tremendous talents of the professional and rescued Dalmatians that will leave audiences cheering. The dogs were all trained by one of the world's foremost animal trainers, Joel Slaven, who has worked extensively with Jack Hanna on such featured films as Ace Ventura Pet Detective and That Darn Cat.
Individual tickets will go on sale Friday, December 18, 2009 at 10 a.m. and range in price from $18 to $85. A select number of premium seats will also be available. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices ( 24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St. and 18 W. Monroe St. ) ; the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at ( 800 ) 775-2000; all Ticketmaster retail locations ( including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores ) ; and online atwww.BroadwayInChicago.com . Tickets are currently available to groups of 15 or more by calling ( 312 ) 977-1710.
