101 Dalmatians in Hub Dec. 23-27

BOSTON – Rescue dogs will take center stage at Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theatre Dec. 23 through Dec. 27.James Ludwig , who plays Pogo- papa to the pack of canines, in 101 Dalmatians Musical said the canines are an integral part of the show.”We’ve been on the road since October,” he said. “The show is a total blast. There are 16 actual Dalmatians in the show and all but one are rescue dogs. There is a real community feeling and bonding between the actors and the dogs. The dogs will get adopted out to good homes after the show ends.”The producers have created a special home for the canines on tour. The dogs travel in style in a one-of-a-kind customized bus being hailed as a “rolling doggie palace.” Equipped with a grooming station and portable playground along with two trainers. After the tour, the rescued dogs will continue to live a well-pampered life as they will be either placed in loving homes or will continue to live on a sprawling Florida ranch.The show follows Dalmatian spouses Pongo and Missis Pongo who are living the good life in London with their “pets” Charles and Catherine Dearly. When their 10 puppies are suddenly dognapped by the villainous Cruella de Vil, they summon the help of a vast network of dogs and set off to rescue their pups. There’s a happy ending for all with laughter, mayhem and music along the way.Ludwig said he loves the way this particular production is told from the perspective of a dog.”It is all from the perspective of the dog,” he said. “The dogs own the people and humans are their pets. All the canines are dressed as people and even the design of the show is from the viewpoint of a dog.”Director Jerry Zaks added, “Humans will be presented in a heightened form of dress and scale so as to appear larger than life, and the actors who play the animals will thus seem more human than their humans.”Ludwig, who has lived in New York City for 17 years, is a former member of Blue Man Group and has performed in Boston on numerous occasions.”I can’t wait to get back to Boston,” he said. “The whole cast is very excited about spending Christmas week in Boston. A lot of us are looking forward to playing the Wang Theatre. It’s one of those theaters that everyone was to perform at.”On a more personal note, Ludwig said he plans to scout out some of the historical bars in Boston.”One of the great things for me is Boston is chock full of historical bars,” he said. “Most of the American Revolution was planned in those bars. I have my own film company and co-produce the web (Internet) series ‘The Happy Hour Guys” so I’ll be checking those out.”If You Go?Tickets for the show are $28 to $75 and are available by calling 866-348-9738, online at www.Citicenter.org or at the Citi Performing Arts Center WangTheatre Box Office,270 Tremont St.