'The 101 Dalmations Musical' Barks Way To South Florida

THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL

STARRING Rachel York AS THE INFAMOUS CRUELLA DE VIL

AND WITH 15 LIVE DOGS ONSTAGE

TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR AS A HIGHLIGHT OF THE

Broadway Across America-MIAMI SEASON

PRESENTED BY FLORIDA THEATRICAL ASSOCIATION AND

THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

OF MIAMI DADE-COUNTY

December 30, 2009 at 8 p.m.

December 31, 2009 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

January 1, 2010 at 8 p.m.

January 2, 2010 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m.

January 3, 2010 at 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Tickets $25 - $73

Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House

One of the world's greatest classic tales hits South Florida for the first time with the presentation of THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. Single tickets are on sale now for this heart-warming holiday treat which arrives in Miami on Wednesday, December 30, 2009 and runs through Sunday, January 3, 2010 at the Sanford and Dolores Ziff Ballet Opera House. THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is presented by the Florida Theatrical Association and the Adrienne Arsht Center as part of the 2009-2010 Broadway Across America-Miami Season.

Based on the beloved book by Dodie Smith, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a one-of-a-kind adventure for the entire family about what it means to be family, canine, and courageous. 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 bookwriter and co-lyricist BT McNicholl (Billy Elliot, Spamalot, The IT Girl), and Dennis DeYoung, founding member of the legendary rock band STYX, as composer and co-lyricist.

"What a thrill for us to welcome this extraordinary Broadway cast and their live, canine counterparts, who are not only seasoned performers, but all rescue dogs as well," said M. John Richard, President and CEO of the Adrienne Arsht Center. "The 101 Dalmatians Musical is a joyous holiday treat, sure to delight all generations of our South Florida community."

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 will see life from a dog's point of view. The stage musical will transport theatergoers into an exciting and 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 -- making this an even more compelling, truly inspiring rags to riches story.

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 Dalmatian spouses Pongo and Mrs. 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 the former singer for 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 with 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 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL began in Minneapolis in October 2009 and is traveling to major markets and venues across the country including a three-week engagement in April 2010 at the WaMu Theater at New York City's famed Madison Square Garden. The musical is produced by Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions, Troika Entertainment, and international producer Luis Alvarez. Tour and ticket information is available at www.the101dalmatiansmusical.com.

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.

FALL IN LOVE TODAY! ADOPT A PET FROM YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER