Musical Review: 101 Dalmatians the Musical

A heart-warming story, adorable pups, and one of the most iconic fashionista-villain of all time: There’s a reason that the 1956 Disney adaptation of 101 Dalmatians became one of the highest-grossing animated films worldwide. One might question how Zinnie Harris’ adaptation could bring something new to a franchise already abound with remakes and spin-offs.

101 Dalmatians The Musical, running at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until the 24th of August, more than met this challenge, however. It brought all the entertainment expected from the classic story as well as an impressive and original flare.

The production certainly lived up to its extensive heritage. The high-energy cast brought an exaggerated, classically loveable and comedic portrayal of the characters: you’d be forgiven for thinking these actors fell straight out of the Disney animation. Award winning singer and actress Faye Tozer’s portrayal of Cruella also fulfilled expectations. Her impressive vocals and dynamic acting brought the power needed for a portrayal of the legendary villain. Her glamorous character was assisted by elaborate costumes, simple yet sleek choreography and striking lighting displays, creating a commanding atmosphere which kept the audience rapt when she was onstage.

The production certainly lived up to its extensive heritage

Equally impressive was the puppeteering this production used to portray it’s animal characters. The puppeteers controlling the animal puppets onstage could easily inhibit the audiences’ immersion in the story. In this case, however, the puppeteers constant and intricate movements skilfully captured the natural mannerisms of animals, meaning the puppets blended seamlessly with the human cast onstage.

The musical recreated stand-out moments and features of the Disney film, from the dalmatian owners becoming comedically tangled in their dog’s leashes, to a re-creation of maniacal car-pursuit in the narratives gripping climax which displayed impressive and skilful use of props.

Just like any classic Disney movie, it engaged both old and young. It kept it’s family dominated audience involved, rewarding the children who came sporting dalmatian ears by pointing to them as members of the dalmatian family at the finale. Smatterings of adult jokes and modern references ensured the older audience members were also entertained throughout. Douglas Hodge’s songs were catchy and varied, with witty, comedic numbers and reprises’ that pulled on the audiences heartstrings.

the puppets blended seamlessly with the human cast onstage

While the production was a testament to its franchise, it also saw several largely well executed changes. The plot was given a contemporary makeover, gender being particularly well reworked. In the original story, female leads Anita and her female Dalmatian Perdita are reserved and timid in comparison to their male counterparts. The musical reversed these roles, with Anita, who was renamed Danielle, as a bold, forthright woman who took the lead in defending those she loved.
It was great to see the production expanding beyond its central message surrounding the value of family love over materialistic gain, gesturing to a range of other topical themes. Racial harmony was addressed through the means of different species, while political and police corruption were also alluded to.

Some changes were more questionable, however. The rewrite of the narrative’s resolution meant that Cruella was deflated into a comedic figure by the production’s end. While this was fitting for the child-friendly production, I couldn’t help but feel it detracted from the iconic stature of the villain.

Overall, the skill brought to each component of this show meant that it delivered both the heart-warming entertainment expected of the traditional Disney story, as well as presenting powerful dramatic craft and messages of its own. It’s definitely worth a watch, whether you go for a nostalgic return to your childhood or the refreshing revisions this theatrical adaptation brings.