I saw it in Boston last week and found it to be charming. Is it perfect? No. There could definitely be more dramatic tension in the second act chase/escape sequences. And I personally would love to see one more number for Cruella at the top of Act II to really get things rolling. But it is cute without being sickly sweet and the whole concept of being from the dogs' point of view is quite clever and very well executed. I also enjoyed the music, which I thought was catchy and fun, especially for kids.
The show is not meant for an adults only audience. It's a family musical. On that level I think it succeeds very well. I found the dogs' story (as played by actors and children) to be touching and tender, and the human characters (all on stilts) were kind of cartoony funny and grotesque. The real Dalmatians were fun to see, but they were really only the icing on the cake. The entire cast is excellent, with James Ludwig as Pongo a standout.
And then there is Rachel York. She is a spectacular Cruella! Funny, scary, a rock diva! What a powerhouse. Norma Desmond, Eartha Kitt, Mommy Dearest and the Wicked Witch all rolled into one. Hilarious. Her songs shake the rafters.
Reviews in Boston (Globe, Herald, Edge) were very solid. TheaterMania glowed.
If people are willing to check their snarky cynicism at the door, they can be caught up in a very sweet, old-fashioned story. I had a smile on my face the whole night. And the host of kids who surrounded me seemed very entertained throughout. They didn't fidget, they bounced along to the music, and they leaned forward numerous times to pay rapt attention. Everyone was singing "Be a Little Bit Braver" on the way out.
TheaterMania Review of 101 Dalmatians
