EAST LANSING, MI – One of the world’s best loved classic tales hits the stage for the first time. THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is set at Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall on Tuesday, January 26 through Sunday, January 31. Based on the beloved book by Dodie Smith and led by an award-winning creative team. 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. This brilliantly written musical will magically transport audiences 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!
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.
The show’s lively contemporary score and soundtrack will become unforgettable and timeless hits. The array of original songs destined to become popular material to kids and adults alike. These include: “One-Hundred-and-One Dalmatians,” “Song of the Twilight Barking,” “One True Love” and “Cruella Always Gets Her Way.”
THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL will showcase fifteen talented Dalmatians, most 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, truly inspiring rags to riches story. It 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 features films as Ace Ventura Pet Detective and That Darn Cat.
The show’s producers have created a special home for these extraordinary canines while on tour. The dogs will travel in style in a one-of-a-kind customized bus being hailed as a “rolling doggie palace.” Equipped with a grooming station and portable playground along with two trainers, these Dalmatian darlings will be treated like royalty. After the tour, the rescued dogs will continue to live a well-pampered life as they will be either placed in loving homes or will continue to live on Joel Slaven’s sprawling Florida ranch.
