Gettelfinger Replaces York in 101 DALMATIONS Tour as Cruella

Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions, Troika Entertainment, Luis Alvarez and Jon B. Platt in association with Allen Spivak and Brad Krassner are pleased to announce the addition of Broadway's Sara Gettelfinger (Seuessical, Anything Goes, Nine and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels) to the company of THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL. Gettelfinger begins performances as the infamous puppy snatcher Cruella De Vil beginning with the show's Chicago engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) February 16 - 28, 2010. The role was previously played by Rachel York.

"We are thrilled to announce the addition of Sara Gettelfinger to the cast of THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL," said Lee D. Marshall, Co-Founder of Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions. "A veteran of numerous Broadway shows including Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Nine and Seussical the Musical, Sara will provide a wickedly comic villain in the infamous Cruella De Vil and we are confident she and our talented company will continue to inspire theatergoers of all ages through the show's unique story-telling, amazing new music and tremendous performances."

Gettelfinger heads a cast of 30 that features James Ludwig as Pongo. The cast also includes Chip Abbott, Joel Blum, Sammy Borla, Anna Bowen, Jeff Scot Carey, Kristy Cavanaugh, Lydia Rose Clemente, Piper Curda, Joseph Dellger, Madeleine Doherty, Garrett Hawe, Michael Thomas Holmes, Robert Anthony Jones, Kevin C. Loomis, Erin Maguire, Mike Masters, Neal Mayer, Catherine Missal, Erin Mosher, Ah-Niyah Yonay Neal, Catia Ojeda, Clark Kelley Oliver, Chuck Ragsdale, Molly Sorohan, Kendra Tate, Austin Zambito-Valente and Emma Zaks.

Based on the beloved book by Dodie Smith, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a one-of-a-kind adventure for the entire family. 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, 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.

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 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."

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.

THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL began in Minneapolis in October 2009 and is traveling to major markets and venues across the country including an 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.

Individual tickets 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 at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Tickets are currently available to groups of 15 or more by calling (312) 977-1710.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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