Casting Complete for Tour of The 101 Dalmatians Musical

Casting is complete for the forthcoming national tour of The 101 Dalmatians Musical, which, as previously announced, will star Rachel York as Cruella de Vil. The new family-oriented musical will begin performances at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on October 13, directed by Jerry Zaks.

Joining York will be James Ludwig (Spamalot, Little Shop of Horrors, Blue Man Group) as Dalmatian patriarch Pongo; newcomer Catia Ojeda as Missus, Pongo’s wife and the loving mom of the puppies dognapped by Cruella; and Julie Foldesi (South Pacific, Little Women, The Full Monty) as family nurse Perdita.

Rounding out the cast are Sammy Borla (Lucky), Lydia Clemente (Cadpig), Piper Curda (Roly-Poly), Madeleine Doherty (Nanny Butler, Gypsy Wife), Michael Thomas Holmes (Jasper, Gruff Yorkie), Robert Anthony Jones (Jinx), Erin Maguire (Nanny Cook, Collie Inn Keeper), Mike Masters (Mr. Dearly, Horse), Catherine Missal (Patch), Kristen Beth Williams (Mrs. Dearly, Tabby Cat), Chuck Ragsdale (Prince), Chip Abbott (Ensemble), Joel Blum (Ensemble, Harry De Vil, Gypsy Impresario, Bloodhound Miner), Jeff Scot Carey (Ensemble Prince, Mr. Dearly), Kristy Cavanaugh (Ensemble), Joseph Dellger (Ensemble, Splendid Vet, Nervous Setter, Tipsy St. Bernard), Ashley Blair Fitzgerald (Ensemble, Dream Perdita), Garett Hawe (Ensemble, Perdita’s Husband, Beagle), Kevin C. Loomis (Ensemble, Sheepdog), Neal Mayer (Swing), Ah-Niyah Yonay Neal (Ensemble), Clark Kelley Oliver (Ensemble), Gabriel Rush (Ensemble), Molly Sorohan (Swing), Kendra Tate (Ensemble; u/s Cadpig) and the director’s daughter, Legally Blonde: The Search for Elle Woods vet Emma Zaks (Ensemble, Cruella’s Cat).

The 101 Dalmatians Musical features music and lyrics by Dennis DeYoung, a founding member of the rock band STYX, and a book and lyrics by BT McNicholl.

The 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 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 finale features 15 real Dalmatians, many of which were rescued from animal shelters across the country.

After its premiere in Minneapolis, The 101 Dalmatians Musical will tour the country, including a three-week engagement at Madison Square Garden’s WaMu Theater April 6-25, 2010.