For the past 70 years, one name has been the leader in family entertainment.
Walt Disney has produced more family friendly adventures than any other organization.
For many years, Disney focused mainly on animated films and cartoons. Many of these features have found their way into live onstage musicals and movies.
One story, “101 Dalmatians Kids,” is currently being brought to life on The Prizery stage.
Director Laura Boyett has assembled a cast of more than 30 talented young actors to bring the action and music to life. Most of the young players have limited stage time so there has been much work done to develop characters and presentation.
Boyett also has several adults assisting her. Josh Jannotta serves as musical director. Stage manager Sarah Brogden shares her long history of performing with local theatre groups and at Averett University when she was a student there. Ernelle Bellamy serves as technical director.
Backstage crew members Reagan Elliott and Taishona Anderson help assist the cast members and the set changes. When the show opens this Friday, they will make sure everything comes together. The months of work will be evident to those in attendance.
Featured as the most despicable villain of any Disney production is Paige Shelton as Cruella Deville. She and her villainous friends Horace and Jasper (Angel Cross and Auggie McKay) have done a masterful job of displaying the dangers the innocent puppies face as Cruella tries to fashion a Dalmatian fur coat. She also shines with the songs that express her foul intentions.
The dalmatian owners, Roger and Anita, are portrayed by Auggie McKay and Hannah Ballou. The doggie parents, Pongo and Perdita, are played by Max Ballou and Autumn Hetzell.
The show is narrated by a quartet of canines played by Juliana Owen, Kaliyah Johnson, Kenley Crute and Landri Puryear. They are identified as a boxer, a Scottie, a poodle, and a corgi. They direct attention to the action on stage and lead most of the large musical numbers. Their unity in forming this critical ensemble is unusual for such a young group.
Other cast members are identified as poodles, boxers, Scotties, corgis and dalmation puppies. In addition, there is a police office, a dogcatcher, and Sgt. Tibbs. Some cast members are called their doggie names.
Boyett said she is excited for opening night Friday.
“I’ve absolutely loved working with these kids on this show,” she said. “Watching their growth has been amazing, and I am so proud of them. They have put so much time and effort into rehearsals, and I’m so excited for everyone to see just how hard they have worked.”
Tickets are available for performances at The Prizery box office or online at Prizery.org. Adult tickets are $12 and student tickets are $8. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The final performance is on Sunday at 3 p.m.
