THE 101 DALMATIONS MUSICAL Plays The Ford Center For The Performing Arts 2/16-2/28/10

Presented by Broadway In Chicago, THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is one of the world's greatest classic tales and will come to life on stage at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Oriental Theatre for a limited engagement February 16 to 28, 2010. 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 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 celebrates 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, retail and online campaign.

The individual tickets on-sale date will be announced at a later date. Tickets are currently available as part of the 2009-2010 Broadway In Chicago Series at 312-977-1717 and to groups of 20 or more by calling (312) 977-1710.

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