Is that the bark of puppies I hear? It must mean "101 Dalmatians" is on at the Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham.
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo, Perdi, and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging pups. Dodie Smith’s classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, witty songs, and irresistible puppies!
This production is a reimagining of the Regents Park version, bringing a fresh and vibrant energy to the timeless story. The creative team has outdone themselves with imaginative staging and dynamic performances that captivate the audience from start to finish.
The smash-hit musical "101 Dalmatians" is gracing The Alexandra this summer, starring Kym Marsh (known from "Coronation Street" and Hear'say) as the greatest villain of them all, Cruella de Vil. Marsh’s portrayal of Cruella is both menacing and magnetic, perfectly capturing the character’s flamboyant evilness. She does a terrific job at playing the villain. Charles Brunton as Casper and Danny Hendrix as Jasper are hilarious as the comical brothers.
The musical features a brilliant score by Douglas Hodge, who has composed memorable music and lyrics, and a sharp, engaging book by Johnny McKnight. Their collaboration has resulted in a lively, heartwarming, and occasionally darkly humorous show that will appeal to audiences of all ages. The stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris seamlessly translates the beloved story to a theatrical format, maintaining its charm and excitement.
One of the standout aspects of the production is the use of puppetry to bring the Dalmatians to life. The puppeteers' skill and creativity make the puppies seem remarkably lifelike, adding a magical element to the performance that enchants children and adults alike. The choreography, too, is top-notch, with the ensemble cast delivering energetic and polished dance numbers that enhance the storytelling. My only concern with the production would be that it would have been better if the ensemble controlling the puppets had been in outfits that matched the animals to create a sense of more cohesion.
"101 Dalmatians" at The Alexandra is a theatrical experience not to be missed. It’s a delightful blend of nostalgia, innovation, and pure entertainment that will leave you cheering for Pongo and Perdi and booing the dastardly Cruella.
The musical runs until Saturday, July 6th, so don’t delay – book your tickets now and join in the fun. You’d be barking mad to miss it!
Tickets are available at the following link: The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham.
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