THE 101 DALMATIONS MUSICAL Tour Kicks Off In Minneapolis 10/13

This October, one of the world's greatest classic tales hits the stage for the first time with THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL. 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 a 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, on board as composer and co-lyricist.

The tour begins in Minneapolis on October 13, 2009 and will travel to major markets and venues across the country including a three-week engagement from April 6 through April 25, 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.

"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."

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, making this an even more, truly inspiring rags to riches story.

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.

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 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 features films as Ace Ventura Pet Detective and That Darn Cat.

Purina® Dog Chow®, the brand that fuels millions of rascally dogs around the country, has signed on as the title sponsor for THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL. Purina® Dog Chow® will support the musical with an extensive national print, television and online campaign.

Magic Arts & Entertainment has been bringing hundreds of thousands of people to their feet each year throughout their 25 years in the entertainment industry. Led by business partners Lee D. Marshall and Joe Marsh, the duo began by producing David Copperfield's first-ever tour in 1983. The partnership then grew to produce, manage, book and promote a versatile roster of live entertainment events that expanded to include such high-grossing concerts such as the North American tours for Janet Jackson, Cher, N Sync, Britney Spears, Barry Manilow, The Backstreet Boys and many others. Current tours include The Magic of David Copperfield, Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, Mannheim Steamroller, and Jesus Christ Superstar staring Ted Neeley.

In 2008, Magic Arts & Entertainment was acquired by the Tix Corporation (Nasdaq: TIXC), with Marshall and Marsh assuming the roles of Co-CEO of Tix Productions, a newly-formed subsidiary of Tix Corporation.

Troika has over two decades experience producing shows of all types and sizes throughout North America and the world: touring, sit-down, casino and leisure markets. Located in Maryland in the Washington D.C. area, Troika is outside the New York mainstream. The company prides itself on thinking "outside the apple," delivering a top quality product using cost-effective production methods.

International venues include Russia, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Korea and Japan. Troika was most recently involved in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China with productions of The Sound of Music, 42nd Street and Chicago. Current and upcoming productions in North America include Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, Twyla Tharp's Come Fly With Me, Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Ted Neeley and Cats, running "now and forever."

Luis Alvarez, the youngest theatrical producer and director in Madrid, is responsible for one of the most successful shows in Spain. 101 Dalmatians: The Musical premiered at the Wonderland Theatre in 2001. In 2002, Mr. Alvarez received an award for Best Theatrical Producer in Spain. Mr. Alvarez and 101 Dalmatians: The Musical broke all records for sponsorship deals in Spain. Kellogg's, Kodak, Iberia, Haagen Dazs and many other well known companies sponsored the World Premier of 101 Dalmatians: The Musical.

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