Rachel York Joins National Tour Cast Of THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL, Plays PPAC March 16-21, 2010

Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions, Troika General Management, and international producer Luis Alvarez are pleased to announce that Drama Desk Award Winner Rachel York has joined the cast of the highly anticipated national stage production of THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL, based on the 1956 classic story written by Dodie Smith.

York joins an impressive creative team in the starring role as the sinister Cruella De Vil, notorious for kidnapping Dalmatian puppies for their distinctive spots. THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL is a unique musical adventure for the entire family that shows what it means to be a family, canine, and courageous. York makes her debut in THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL when the North American tour launches at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis on October 13, 2009.

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, Rachel York also turned heads with her portrayal of Lucille Ball in the CBS movie, Lucy. Recently, York co-starred opposite Jeff Daniels in the world premiere of the new Broadway bound musical Turn of the Century at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

York's addition further builds upon the extraordinary creative team behind THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL including four-time Tony Award winning director Jerry Zaks (A Bronx Tale, Smokey Joe's Café, Guys and Dolls), acclaimed book writer 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.

"Rachel's high energy performances have really made her in our minds one of Broadway's true standout leading actresses. Her versatility in both dramatic and comedic settings, as well as her powerful scene-stealing voice really offers us a Cruella that we believe will help make THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL a truly special theatrical event," said Lee D. Marshall, Co-Founder of Magic Arts & Entertainment/Tix Productions.

York said, "Growing up, 101 Dalmatians was one of my favorite children's stories and Cruella De Vil was one of my all time favorite characters. Ironic I should say, because I am a huge animal lover. It will be so much fun to bring such a fabulously dynamic villain to life. Cruella is unlimited in her treachery, and yet, you can't help but love her. The opportunity to collaborate with the enormous talents of Jerry Zaks, Warren Carlyle, Dennis DeYoung, and BT McNicholl is just icing on the cake."

The production follows Dalmatians spouses Pongo and Mrs. Pongo, who are living the good life in London with their "pets" Charles and Catherine Dearly. When their ten 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 is performing at the Providence Performing Arts Center from March 16 to 21, 2010. Performance dates and times are Tuesday, March 16 at 7P; Wednesday, March 17 at 7:30P; Thursday, March 18 at 7:30P; Friday, March 19 at 8P; Saturday, March 20 at 2P & 8P; and Sunday, March 21 at 1P & 6:30P. Prices for Friday and Saturday evening performances and for Saturday and Sunday matinees are $63, $56, $51, and $41. All other performances are $58, $51, $46, and $36. Please note that all ticket prices are subject to change and include a $3 per ticket restoration charge.

Tickets are on sale now for THE 101 DALMATIANS MUSICAL; to purchase tickets, log on to www.ppacri.org, call the PPAC Box Office at (401) 421-ARTS (2787), or visit the Box Office at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence. Through Thursday, September 3, Summer Box Office Hours are Monday through Thursday, 10A - 3P. Regular Box Office Hours resume Tuesday, September 7 and are Monday through Friday, 10A - 5P; Saturday 10A - 2P and through curtain time(s) on show days. PPAC offers military discounts in person, by phone, and online for all performances; for further details, call (401) 421-ARTS. Discounted admission is available for groups of 20 or more. For more information, contact Paul Hiatt at phiatt@ppacri.org or call (401) 574-3162.

Troika General Management has over two decades experience producing shows of all types and sizes throughout North America and the world. International venues include Russia, Brazil, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Korea and Japan. Troika was most recently involved in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China with productions of The Sound of Music, 42nd Street, and Chicago. Current and upcoming productions in North America include Fiddler on the Roof starring Topol, The 101 Dalmatians Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, starring Ted Neeley, and Cats, running "now and forever."

Magic Arts & Entertainment has been bringing hundreds of thousands of people to their feet each year throughout their 25 years in the entertainment industry. Led by business partners Lee D. Marshall and Joe Marsh, the duo began by producing David Copperfield's first-ever tour in 1983. The partnership then grew to produce, manage, book, and promote a versatile roster of live entertainment events that expanded to include such high-grossing concerts such as the North American tours for Janet Jackson, Cher, N Sync, Britney Spears, Barry Manilow, The Backstreet Boys, and many others. Current tours include The Magic of David Copperfield, Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance, Mannheim Steamroller, and Jesus Christ Superstar staring Ted Neeley.

In 2008, Magic Arts & Entertainment was acquired by the Tix Corporation (Nasdaq: TIXC), with Marshall and Marsh assuming the roles of Co-CEO of Tix Productions, a newly-formed subsidiary of Tix Corporation.

Luis Alvarez is the youngest theatrical producer and director in Madrid. His production of 101 Dalmatians: The Musical premiered at the Wonderland Theatre in 2001, where it became one of the most successful shows in Spain. In 2002, Mr. Alvarez received an award for Best Theatrical Producer in Spain. Mr. Alvarez and 101 Dalmatians: The Musical broke all records for sponsorship deals in Spain. Kellogg's, Kodak, Iberia, Häagen-Dazs, and many other well-known companies sponsored the World Premiere of 101 Dalmatians: The Musical.

 

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