Tolland Middle School Students to Present "101 Dalmatians"

Whether you're a fan of the Glenn Close version from the mid-1990s or the original Disney classic from 1961, you won't be disappointed by the upcoming Tolland Middle School production of 101 Dalmatians.

Students will bring to life the plot that revolves around songwriter Roger Radcliffe and his wife Anita, along with their two Dalmatians, Pongo and Perdita, and the birth of Perdita’s puppies. When the evil and materialistic Cruella De Vil’s offer to buy the puppies is declined she hires henchmen Jasper and Horace to steal them, leading the cast on a hilarious adventure full of mishaps and suspense.

With so many “dogs” involved in the production it was a challenge for the director and problem-solver-extraordinaire, Heather Dale Titus, to get them all on stage at once. Every student who auditioned for the play will have some role in the "extended show with some special touches," Dale Titus said. Even Principal Walter Willett will be making a cameo appearance as the dreaded dogcatcher. Teacher Hannah Thibedeau is director and choreographer, and Beth Stewart directs the music, of which there is plenty.

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"There is a lot of music. Lots. Great music. Toe-tapping music," Dale Titus said.

Combined with all the exuberant actors and singers, a about 70 people have worked hard to make the production a success, including members of the costume committee, set design committee, a backstage crew, prop people and more. The school's Unified Arts department also lent a hand, as did the Friends of Tolland Music, led by Amy Begue, who will be running a concession stand filled with snacks and beverages on the night of the play.

"Beth and I feel we are ready," Dale Titus said Tuesday, the day before the last dress rehearsal. "Our first meeting was in January after the winter break. We held auditions then rehearsals began in mid-January every Monday and Wednesday, schedule permitting. We got 6 or 7 good rehearsals out of each month."

Besides the shear amount of work put into this production, there are other reasons to attend the play, the actors.

Kaitie Dilan, who, dressed as a black Labrador retriever, will be “Narrator #1,” said she’s excited for the production to finally hit the stage in front of an audience.

“The audience will enjoy Horace and Jasper because they're the stupid henchmen and mess up all the plans. And they're eccentric! One is six feet tall and the other is five. And Cruella is an amazing actor and keeps the accent perfect throughout the entire thing,” Dilan said, adding that Pongo and Perdita mirror their owners, adding to the entertainment.

Aaron Wilson, who plays Horace, said the show will be "entertaining and comedic," while Jenny Lindquist, captain of the Dalmatians, said, "It's really good for younger kids. It'll bring chuckles to them!"

Olivia Cusson, who plays Cruella, agrees, noting that the naughtiest word in the play is "nincompoop."

“The play tells the story of 101 Dalmatians, with a twist," added Jackie Raymond, who has the role of "Narrator #3.”

The Tolland Middle School production of 101 Dalmatians will take place on Friday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Tickets are for sale in homerooms for $8 and will be for sale at the door for $10.