101 Dalmatians Musical, Composed by STYX Vet Dennis DeYoung, Set to Tour

The classic children’s tale 101 Dalmatians is coming to the stage, with 15 real Dalmatians in the cast. The 101 Dalmatians Musical (which apparently has no connection to the Disney movies) will begin a national tour in Minneapolis on October 13, including a three-week engagement from April 6 through April 25, 2010, at New York’s WaMu Theater. Featuring music by STYX founding member Dennis DeYoung, a book by B.T. McNicholl and lyrics by DeYoung and McNicholl, the show will be directed by four-time Tony winner Jerry Zaks.

Inspired by Dodie Smith’s 1957 novel, The 101 Dalmatians Musical follows canine 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, the Dalmatian parents summon the help of a vast network of dogs and set off to rescue their pups.

Zaks explains in a statement that the musical will be told from a dog’s point of view. “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.” Grammy nominee DeYoung, composer of hits such as “Babe,” “Come Sail Away,” “The Best of Times” and “Mr. Roboto,” has written a score with a pop rock flavor.

The grand finale of The 101 Dalmatians Musical will feature 15 Dalmatians, including many rescued from animal shelters across the country. The dogs and two trainers will travel in a customized tour bus equipped with a grooming station and portable playground. All canine performers will be placed in loving homes or at trainer Joel Slaven’s Florida ranch after the tour. No human cast members have been announced.

The musical is being produced by Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions, Troika Entertainment, and Luis Alvarez.