Ludwig, Ojeda & Foldesi Join Rachel York In The National Production Of 101 DALMATIONS, Opens 10/13 in Minneapolis

The 101 Dalmatians Musical, based on the 1956 classic story written by Dodie Smith, announced the complete cast for the hugely buzzed about national stage production today.

Launching at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on October 13, 2009, The 101 Dalmatians Musical features an impressive cast made-up of Broadway veterans and newcomers that will bring to life this one-of-a-kind musical adventure for the entire family. Headlining the national tour includes:

Drama Desk Award winner Rachel York leads that cast as the sinister Cruella de Vil, notorious for kidnapping Dalmatian puppies for their distinctive spots. 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, York also turned heads with her portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie, Lucy.

James Ludwig has been cast in the role of Pongo, the Dalmatian patriarch who must lead the charge in rescuing his puppies from the villainous Cruella de Vil. Ludwig previously starred on Broadway in Spamalot and Little Shop of Horrors as well as the off-Broadway productions of the Blue Man Group and De La Guarda. Ludwig is also the co-producer/co-host of the popular Web series, The Happy Hour Guy.

Newcomer Catia Ojeda joins The 101 Dalmatians Musical in the role of Missus, wife to Pongo and loving mother of the Dalmatian puppies that Cruella de Vil has "dognapped."Ojeda has quickly made her mark on the regional theatre circuit with featured roles at the Williamstown Theatre Festival (Quark Victory), Engeman Theatre (Lend Me a Tenor) and Ogunquit Playhouse (Fiddler on the Roof).

Julie Foldesi has signed onto The 101 Dalmatians Musical in the role of Perdita, who helps care for the Dalmatian puppies as Pongo and Missus' family nurse. A familiar face on Broadway, Foldesi's credits include South Pacific, Little Women and The Full Monty. Foldesi also starred in the first national touring productions of Little Women in the lead role of Jo, The Full Monty and Jekyll and Hyde.

The 101 Dalmatians Musical is rounded out by:

· Sammy Borla (Lucky)
· Lydia Clemente (Cadpig)
· Piper Curda (Roly-Poly)
· Madeleine Doherty (Nanny Butler, Gypsy Wife; u/s Cruella)
· Michael Thomas Holmes (Jasper, Gruff Yorkie)
· Robert Anthony Jones (Jinx)
· Erin Maguire (Nanny Cook, Collie Inn Keeper; u/s Cruella)
· Mike Masters (Mr. Dearly, Horse)
· Catherine Missal (Patch)
· Kristen Beth Williams (Mrs. Dearly, Tabby Cat; u/s Missus).
· Chuck Ragsdale (Prince)
· Chip Abbott (Ensemble; u/s Perdita's Husband)
· Joel Blum (Ensemble, Harry De Vil, Gypsy Impresario, Bloodhound Miner; u/s Jasper)
· Jeff Scot Carey (Ensemble; u/s Pongo, Prince, Mr. Dearly)
· Kristy Cavanaugh (Ensemble; u/s Dream Perdita)
· Joseph Dellger (Ensemble, Splendid Vet, Nervous Setter, Tipsy St. Bernard; u/s Jinx)
· 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; u/s Patch)
· Clark Kelley Oliver (Ensemble; u/s Roly-Poly)
· Gabriel Rush (Ensemble; u/s Lucky)
· Molly Sorohan (Swing)
· Kendra Tate (Ensemble; u/s Cadpig)
· Emma Zaks (Ensemble, Cruella's Cat; u/s Perdita)

In addition to a talented cast, The 101 Dalmatians Musical is led by an award-winning creative team 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. Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Corporation, Troika Entertainment, and international producer Luis Alvarez have produced the musical.

"We have really put together a great group of talented actors and are proud to have them apart of The 101 Dalmatians Musical," said Lee D. Marshall, Co-Founder of Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Corporation. "Since the original book has remained a part of people's lives for over 50 years, it was very important to the producers and creative team that we were able to find just the right mix of actors that could bring the look and feel of the story to life."

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.

The 101 Dalmatians Musical will travel to major markets and venues across the country following its debut in Minneapolis 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, visit: www.the101dalmatiansmusical.com.

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