STAGE TUBE: The Making of 101 DALMATIONS: The Dogs

THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL, which will perform in Indianapolis from March 9 through March 14, 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 featured films as "Ace Ventura Pet Detective" and "That Darn Cat."

The show's producers have created a special home for these extraordinary canines while on tour. The dogs will travel in style in a one-of-a-kind customized bus being hailed as a "rolling doggie palace." Equipped with a grooming station and portable playground along with two trainers, these Dalmatian darlings will be treated like royalty. After the tour, the rescued dogs will continue to live a well-pampered life as they will be either placed in loving homes or will continue to live on Joel Slaven's sprawling Florida ranch.

Five very special Dalmatians-Rascal, Jada, Lacy, Bert, and Jackson-were placed with the production through Columbus-based Second Chances Dalmatian Rescue. After carefully evaluating the project-getting to know Slaven, his team, training techniques, the living conditions for the dogs, and Slaven's dedication to educating the public about homeless animals-Second Chances determined the production was a wonderful opportunity to educate the public about the breed and began working with the 101 team to find Dalmatian candidates for the project.

In the following videos, you can learn more about Second Chances Rescue dogs Rascal, Jadda, and Tanner.

Actress Sara Gettelfinger stars as puppy-hating villainess Cruella de Vil. Her Broadway credits include SUESSICAL THE MUSICAL, THE BOYS FROM SYRACUSE, "Carla" in NINE with Antonio Banderas, "Jolene Oakes" in DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS opposite John Lithgow, and the first national tour of FOSSE.

Featuring James Ludwig as Pongo, the cast also includes Chip Abbott, Joel Blum, Sammy Borla, Anna Bowen, Jeff Scot Carey, Kristy Cavanaugh, Lydia Clemente, Piper Curda, Joseph Dellger, Madeleine Doherty, Julie Foldesi, Garrett Hawe, Michael Thomas Holmes, Robert Anthony Jones, Kevin C. Loomis, Erin Maguire, Mike Masters, Neal Mayer, Catherine Missal, Ah-Niyah Yonay Neal, Catia Ojeda, Clark Kelley Oliver, Chuck Ragsdale, Molly Sorohan, Kendra Tate, Kristen Beth Williams, Emma Zaks, and Austin Zambito-Valente.

The 101 Dalmatians Musical follows Dalmatian 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.

For more information on the show or to purchase tickets, visit online at www.broadwayacrossamerica.com.

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