Imagination Stage Presents 101 Dalmations (Video)

Imagination Stage presents 101 Dalmations, based on the book by Dodie Smith now through January 11. Directed by Janet Stanford, this musical adaptation of the classic story follows Dalmatian parents Pongo and Missis on their adventure around Southern England to find their puppies after they have been kidnapped by the infamous Cruella de Vil. 101 Dalmatians is a co-production with Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (CTC) where it was produced this past Fall as directed by Stanford with a team of both CTC and Imagination Stage designers. Appropriate for ages 4 and up. Tickets atart at $10, and can be purchased by calling 301.280.1660 or online at Imagination Stage.

Dodie Smith’s book, The Hundred and One Dalmatians, is set in 1950s London and is adapted for the stage by Martha King De Silva with music and lyrics by Joan Cushing. Pongo and Missis are two Dalmatians who live with the Dearlys near Regent’s Park. When Cruella de Vil and the Badduns kidnap their puppies in order to produce spotted fur coats, the two dogs set out across England following tips from their dog friends along the A-12 motorway. Eventually, Pongo and Missis find their own pups along with 94 others at Haunted Hall in Suffolk. They must then make the perilous journey home, chased by Cruella in her red Jaguar!

Short video from Imagination Stage:
http://youtu.be/k0DpqmXRfsQ

““It’s always a challenge to take a story that is best known to our audience from the movies and translate it to the stage,” says Director Janet Stanford. “In our version, all of the human characters are played by larger-than-life puppets while the dogs are anthropomorphized and therefore totally recognizable and accessible. The result offers an authentic retelling of the original book by Dodie Smith in which the narration is from the point of view not of the people but of the dogs.” While 101 Dalmatians was substantially developed at Children’s Theatre of Charlotte this past Fall, the show will undergo a few changes, which include “reworking some of the dialogue and lyrics, recasting with local talent, and restaging the show for the Lerner theatre,” Stanford explains. Imagination Stage is looking forward to presenting this show during the holiday season, because “the story is one of the weak triumphing over the wicked…and an uplifting and happy ending that echoes the holiday spirit!”

Photos courtesy Imagination Stage.

Schedule of performances:

• Public performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 and 4 p.m., with occasional 11 a.m. performances
• Tuesday-Friday field trip performances
• Special Saturday night performance on Jan. 3 at 7 p.m.

Special Opportunities:

• ASL-interpreted performance: Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. Please call 301.280.1660 for more information and to ensure proper seat location.
• Sensory-friendly performance: Dec. 14 at 11 a.m. Please call 301.280.1660 for more information and to ensure proper seat location.
• Doggie Adoption Day: Dec. 14 – Local dog adoption agencies will show off their puppies outside of the building.
• Pajama Party: Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. Come in your pajamas and enjoy free breakfast before the show.
• Santa Comes to Town: Dec. 24 at 11 a.m. Join Santa for a photo opportunity before the show.
• Special Saturday Night Performance and Dalmatian Appreciation Day: Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. Dress in your best Dalmatian spots and decorate your own dog treat (edible for humans) before the show!

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