One of the world’s greatest classic tales hits the stage for the first time with THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL. Audiences will be transported to a slightly topsy-turvy, exciting, and altogether fantastic reality that gives grand license for song, dance and spectacle in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience!
Led by the creative team of director Jerry Zaks (La Cage Aux Folles, Smokey Joe's Cafe, Everybody Loves Raymond), book writer B.T. McNicholl (Billy Elliot, Spamalot, Cabaret) and composer Dennis DeYoung (a founding member of the rock group STYX, The Hunchback of Notre Dame), 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!
A really fun theatrical experience! The entire staging of the show was so clever. The dogs are portrayed by adult actors, while the puppies are played by children. The "animals" are not in costumes, but rather are a personification of the animal breed they portray. The human characters are actors on small stilts hidden beneath their over sized clothes, which makes them tower over the "animals." I have no idea how they walk on the stilts, not to mention dance on them, but it's a great effect. There are 4 actual dalmatians that perform as well. They are on very briefly, but steal the show whenever they are on stage.
One of the biggest reasons to take kids to this show is to see the wonderful performances given by the child actors. The "puppies" play a huge part of the Second Act. Their singing and dancing are OUTSTANDING! Any child with an inclination toward performing will be inspired.
Another high point is Cruella De Vill. With the two-tone hair and wild outfits, the Queen of Mean is a dominant performance. The kids sitting around me were not upset by her. Cruella is huge and loud, but she's more over-the-top then scary. I loved her songs "Hot Like Me" and "Cruella Always Gets Her Way." Very Fun!
The music for the show was written by Dennis DeYoung of Styx and BT McNicholl of Billy Elliot and Spamalot. It's got that big Broadway sound, but with a rockin' edge. (They even throw in a bit of reggae.) As mentioned, Cruella has great songs, but "Be A Little Bit Braver" is the song that will stick with you. I also loved the "puppies" big number, "Break Out."
Ticket prices to the show are on the high end, but this is a Broadway quality show with very talented performers and a full orchestra. If you are used to the "Elmo Live" type of show, you will be blown away by The 101 Dalmatians Musical. Costumes, staging, voices, choreography, music - it's got it all.
