Russellville Middle School Performing Arts kicked off their weekend run of the Disney children’s musical adaption of Disneys’ 101 Dalmatians Fri. evening. The remaining performance will take place Sun. afternoon at 3:00 p.m., in the Russellville City Schools Auditorium, located at 1865 Waterloo Rd. in Russellville. Tickets are $5.  

“I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on,” said eighth-grader Madi Willis, who’s playing the part of Anita, “and I’m looking forward to getting to perform.” 

Audiences will likely be familiar with the plight of London Dalmatians Pongo and Perdita as they fight to reclaim their puppies from Cruella De Vil, a rich neighbor who steals them with the intent to use in making a new fur coat. 

Rehearsals began in January. The show lasts thirty minutes, and the cast includes seventh and eighth grade students. The sixth grade show choir, comprised of about forty students, will open with a few selections, including Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog” and Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers.” They will join with the cast in performing the show finale.  

“It’s a fun musical,” said Aaron Freeman, RMS Performing Arts Director. “Around sixty students will be performing in the musical, and four students will make up the technical crew. The kids have all worked hard, and they’re very dependable. The kids are excited about the show, and some of them will be performing in a musical of this caliber for the first time. We think the community will enjoy our show,” he added.  

Directed by Aaron Freeman and Mark Keeton, the show features music and lyrics by Mel Leven, Randy Rogel, Richard Gibbs, Brian Smith, Martin Lee Fuller and Dan Root, with book adaptation and additional lyrics by Marcy Heisler and music adapted and arranged by Bryan Louiselle. 

“Mr. Freeman and I really emphasize to the students that if you are having fun on the stage, the audience will have fun. Come enjoy some fun with these middle schoolers,” said Keeton, who is also the RMS Theatre Director.  

The show includes twelve musical numbers: “Dalmatian Conga,” Thunderbolt Adventure Hour,” “Kanine Krunchies,” “Cruella De Vil,” “Cruella’s Scheme,” “The Fur Vault,” “Twilight Bark,” “My Beautiful Coat,” “The Chase,” “Dalmatian Plantation” and “Bow Wows.” 

Main cast includes Andy Soto as Roger, Jasen Noel as Dog Catcher, Audrey Kiel as Perdita, Jaley Bragwell as Penny, Audrey Bell as Corgi Narrator, Kambreya Abernathy as Scottie Narrator, Anahi Bautista de la Rosa as Spotty, Kiera Cruse as Nanny, Ansley Willis as Poodle Narrator, Linzy Sop Diaz as Lucky, Adeline Hester as Pepper, Madi Willis as Anita, Bri McCulloch as Patch, Nelly Juarez as Cruella De Vil, Chloe James as Horace, Olivia Green as Pongo, Davila Vidal as Jasper, Reagan Garrison as Boxer Narrator, Dessarae Hamilton as Sergeant Tibbs, Tanaisha Bates as Police Officer and Emalyn Crowe as Freckles.   

Ensemble cast includes Adaleigh Smith, Alexia Groce, Aubree Hyde, Blevyn Sappington, Brooklynn Davis, Christian Mosley, Dakota Little, Darrius Christian, Darron Jones, Evan Stephenson, Erin Grimes, Grace Rogers, Gavin McGee, Isabella Malone, Juana Miguel Martin, Keifer Hallmark, Khloe Burns, Kennley Francisco, Keyli Hargett, Lillian Riley, Madelyn Hatton, Peyton Scofield, Sadie Odom, Tripp Cleveland, Taitum Bishop Dogs of London Ensemble: Ja’Zara Byrd, Solace Nova, Charley Johnson, Eli Aguirre and Anna Hood.  

Technical crew includes Aiden Hamby, Patrick Johnson, Brody Rikard and Emily Black.