Rachel York Joins National Tour Of THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL, Tour Kicks Off At Orpheum Theatre 10/13

Drama Desk Award Winner Rachel York has joined the cast of the highly anticipated national stage production of The 101 Dalmatians Musical, based on the 1956 classic story written by Dodie Smith. Announced today by Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions, Troika General Management and international producer Luis Alvarez, York joins an impressive creative team in the starring role as the sinister Cruella de Vil, notorious for kidnapping Dalmatian puppies for their distinctive spots, in a one-of-a-kind musical adventure for the entire family about what it means to be a family, canine and courageous. York makes her debut in The 101 Dalmatians Musical when the North American tour kicks off at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on October 13, 2009.

Best known for her critically acclaimed Broadway performances in City of Angels, Les Misérables, Victor/Victoria (Drama Desk Award) with Dame Julie Andrews, The Scarlet Pimpernel, Sly Fox, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Rachel York also turned heads with her portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie, Lucy. Recently, York co-starred opposite Jeff Daniels in the world premiere of the new Broadway bound musical Turn of the Century at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

York's addition further builds upon the extraordinary creative team behind The 101 Dalmatians Musical 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 composer and co-lyricist Dennis DeYoung, best known as the founding member of the legendary rock band STYX.

"Rachel's high energy performances have really made her in our minds one of Broadway's true standout leading actresses. Her versatility in both dramatic and comedic settings, as well as her powerful scene-stealing voice really offer us a Cruella that we believe will help make The 101 Dalmatians Musical a truly special theatrical event," said Lee D. Marshall, Co-Founder of Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions.

York added, "Growing up, 101 Dalmatians was one of my favorite children's stories and Cruella De Vil, one of my all time favorite characters. Ironic I should say, because I am a huge animal lover. It will be so much fun to bring such a fabulously dynamic villain to life. Cruella is unlimited in her treachery, and yet, you can't help but love her. The opportunity to collaborate with the enormous talents of Jerry Zaks, Warren Carlyle, Dennis DeYoung and BT McNicholl, well, that's just icing on the cake."

The production 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 101 Dalmatians Musical also stars fifteen real Dalmatians, many of which were rescued from animal shelters across the country, in a surprise grand finale that will leave audiences cheering.

Following the Minneapolis performance, the production will travel to major markets and venues across the country including a three-week engagement at Madison Square Garden's WaMu Theater in New York City on April 6-25, 2010.

For more tour and ticket information, please visit: www.the101dalmatiansmusical.com.