jOrDaN @ 101 DALMATIONS

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:04pm

Half a century ago now, a mass of people entered The Broadway Theatre one night, unaware that they were about to see history made. They were about to see something that would go on to be considered a masterpiece, something that to this day would be called the best show ever written. That show was GYPSY. Tonight, I had the privilege of experiencing that feeling for myself, something I thought I would never know.

Upon entering Madison Square Garden (I was lucky enough to score a last minute ticket for tonight's show) I was in awe of my surroundings. I knew something special was happening, I could just tell. The smell of the cotton candy and the red and blue sno-cone smiles of the children around me told me I was about to see something unforgettable. I was able to contain myself finally and entered the theatre to take my seat. The usher asked me if I would like to sit closer, I couldn't believe my luck! She escorted me to my new seat and I settled in for the show. As the lights went down, my pulse went up. The music swelled and I felt my heart grow wings and soar above me and my fellow audience members. I felt ALIVE.

The children in the audience were obviously excited as well. I could hear them crying with excitement for the next two hours. The parents I believe couldn't contain themselves either and were on their phones talking and texting to what was probably their friends telling them that they MUST see this show. I would have done the same had my battery not died earlier in the day.

First, a word of warning. This show deals with very mature subject matter so I would advise any parents thinking of taking their young ones that they should sit down with them and discuss what the show is really about, since it is about evil. It is about the worst kind of evil that exists. The kidnapping torture and murder of someone's children. It's often said those closest to us are the ones who hurt us most. In this story, it's never been more true. Mrs. Dearly's old school friend, the seemingly innocent but eccentric Cruella De Vil betrays the trust of those closest to her in order to kidnap all the Dearly's dogs. This, needless to say, is an unspeakable act, cruel to it's very core (and ironically the astounding Gettelfinger's character has that very word in her name) and reminiscent of Nazi Germany when parents could turn away for just a moment and never see their off spring again.

Now, the audience must keep in mind when watching this that the story takes place in London in the 1960's, long before Amber alerts and twitter updates. What follows is a heart wrenching and at times hard to watch tale of harrowing rescue and the ultimate price we pay to get back what we love. As Pongo & Missus search for their children we remember those children who have been kidnapped and their faces splashed across news programs the likes of Nancy Grace's show nightly. We feel their pain and the pain of their broken hearted parents as they stop to sing a reprise or two.

But fear not, for these animals are smart. Smarter than we give them credit for. They devise their own system of finding their children reminding us that human or canine, the love we feel for our children is universal. 101 Dalmatians is the definition of what theatre should aspire to be. In this season of Green Day and recorded Sinatra comes a beacon of light shining onto us to remind us that hope is on the way. We just have to know where to "spot" it.

www.aspca.org

[wdwfreak]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:08pm

After reading that review, I am thinking about selling my front row Hair ticket for tomorrow and buy a ticket for this! Any takers. I paid $122 for my Hair ticket and I can probably get a ticket for this show for $1, so I am asking $540 for my Hair ticket. Any takers, please PM me.

[TheatreFan4]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:08pm

Magnificent Jordan. **Wipes tear from eye** I feel like I was there. What a shame it is to miss the dynamic Emma Zaks though.

[bjh2114]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:13pm

I just peed a little.

[BwayTday]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:18pm

They should cite this review for the rest of the run.

[Calvin]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:26pm

Was Fritzi in as Dalmation #65? I've really been wanting to see how her understudy, Puddles, handles the role.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:27pm

Brilliant. I almost want to see it now.

[beautywickedlover]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 10:57pm

Honestly I don't see how music like this could touch a person.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adyoRNBNTO0

[strummergirl]

Posted: 4/8/10 at 11:01pm

Very few can top the literary web review genius of Richard Lawson on Gawker. Jordan, you are the exception to the rule.

[taylorPHENOMENON2]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 12:10am

Dying.

[WiCkEDrOcKS]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 12:13am

HAHAHA. That was pretty damn funny Jordan.

[uncageg]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 12:23am

The first time in a while I have read a review twice because it was so well written.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 10:48am

Awwww, thanks guys! It's just when a piece of art can move someone as I was moved last night, it needs to be shared!

[Kalimba]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 10:53am

:)

[newintown]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 10:54am

Brilliant and hilarious. I do hope no one thinks that it's serious, though, and buys a ticket to this dreary flop...

[GatorNY]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 12:41pm

Thanks for plugging the ASPCA. Maybe they can rework the show to include the Sarah McLachlan song into the score. Then you'd really be a mess.

Updated On: 4/9/10 at 12:41 PM

[CyCoSpAz2]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 12:46pm

I started LOLing at the title of this thread, and then continued the whole way through.

Brilliant

[adamgreer]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 12:48pm

How WAS the always magnificent Emma Zaks?

[SNAFU]

Posted: 4/9/10 at 1:12pm

You mean it WASN'T serious? What are the return policies at the theatre at MSG? I just bought tickets for my whole family!