James Ludwig, Julie Foldesi, Rachel York, et al. Set for The 101 Dalmatians Musical Tour
Full casting has been announced for the national tour of The 101 Dalmatians Musical, to be directed by Jerry Zaks and featuring a score by Dennis DeYoung and a book by B.T. McNicholl.
Adapted from Dodie Smith’s 1957 novel (which is well known due to Disney’s beloved animated film version), the story revolves around a canine family that must band together to overcome every hurdle and hardship in the most difficult times, including the machinations of Cruella de Vil. The finale will feature real dalmatians.
As previously announced, Rachel York will star as Cruella De Vil. The cast will also include James Ludwig (Pongo), Catia Ojeda (Missus), Julie Foldesi (Perdita), 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), and Chuck Ragsdale (Prince).
Additional cast members will include Chip Abbott (Ensemble), Joel Blum (Ensemble, Harry De Vil, Gypsy Impresario, Bloodhound Miner), Jeff Scot Carey (Ensemble), 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), and Emma Zaks (Ensemble, Cruella’s Cat).
York’s many theater credits include Hello Dolly, Turn of the Century, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Sly Fox, Victor/Victoria, Kiss Me, Kate, and City of Angels. She also performs frequently with symphony orchestras and in the nation’s top cabarets.
As previously announced, the tour will launch at Minneapolis’ Orpheum Theatre on October 13, and play New York City’s WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden, April 6-25. Additional cities will include Atlanta, Washington D.C., Austin, Dallas, Detroit, Boston, Miami, Chicago, Nashville, Toronto, Chicago, Providence, Kansas City, Pittsburgh, and San Diego, with a concluding stop in Los Angeles, June 8-20.
Zaks is a four time Tony Award winner for productions of The House of Blue Leaves, Lend Me a Tenor, Six Degrees of Separation, and Guys and Dolls. He picked up additional Tony nominations for Anything Goes, Smokey Joe’s Café, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. His most recent Broadway directing credit was Chazz Palminteri’s A Bronx Tale.
DeYoung is best known as the lead vocalist and keyboardist of the rock band, Styx. He also penned a musical adaptation of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, seen last season in Chicago. McNicholl’s prior credits include The It Girl and the touring stage adaptation of Winnie the Pooh.
