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Time Out
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
101 Dalmatians
This review is from 101 Dalmatians' original 2022 run at the Open Air Theatre. It returns to the Hammersmith Apollo for a summer 2025 run starring Sydnie Christmas as Cruella de Vil. Adapted direct from Dodie Smith's 1956 kids' book – ie, absolute not a Disney production – '101 Dalmatians' is a scrappy affair. It's the first ever original musical from the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, and it boasts charming puppetry, big-name writers and a scream of a turn from Kate Fleetwood as the evil Cruella de Vil. But by the towering standards of the OAT – known for its revelatory musical revivals – it's pretty uneven. If you just view it as a fun kids' show, you'd be more forgiving. In fact, I was pretty forgiving: I skipped press night and took my children the following afternoon. However, I wouldn't say it's really been pushed as a show for youngsters: historically the OAT's musicals are aimed at an adult audience, the evening finish is certainly too late for my children, and the foregrounding of Fleetwood's villainous Cruella de Vil in the publicity recalls Disney's more adult-orientated spin-off film of last year ('Cruella'). Anyway: my kids had fun at Timothy Sheader's production. I mean, it starts with a protracted bottom-sniffing scene, for crying out loud, as grown-up dalmatians Pongo (Danny Collins and Ben Thompson) and Perdi (Emma Lucia and Yana Penrose) meet for the first time, give each other a good honk up the backside, fall in love and nudge their bookish, introverted human owners Dominic (Eric Stroud) and Danielle (Karen Fishwick) into starting a relationship. Skip forward a bit and humans and hounds have moved in together, and the latter have produced 15 babies. Uber puppet designer and director Toby Olié's spotty pooches are proper showstoppers: Pongo and Perdi have large, mobile forebodies operated by a puppeteer and hind legs shared with the human actor who speaks their lines: Emma Lucia is particularly charming as a compassionate, north-eastern Perdi. The innumerable puppies are generally just represented by their heads… and they're jolly sweet, too. In Johnny McKnight's stage adaptation of Zinnie Harris's contemporary update, the canine idyll is punctured by the arrival of Fleetwood's De Vil, a psychopathic influencer who is, by and large, extremely funny as she self-pityingly inveigles her way into our heroes' lives, then persuades herself she absolutely must have – and deserves – a dalmatian-puppy-skin coat. With a succession of increasingly frightening fright wigs, her forever remarkable cheekbones, and some full-on panto-villain vibes, Fleetwood is an absolute joy. She's also the focal point of the most visually imaginative moments of Sheader's production: a spirited, cartoon-style attempt to use puppetry to look like her hair and arms have popped out after she swallows a dodgy potion; and most impressively, a tableau at the end of the first half where the dancers line up in formation behind her to form the giant puppyskin coat of her fantasies (there's deliciously lurid costume design from Katrina Lindsay). Lots of positives, then, but as a whole, it feels pretty all over the shop. Much as Harris has updated the story, neither she nor McKnight have solved its problems: the abrupt second-half switch of focus to a group of child actors playing a quartet of escaped puppies is tonally disorientating and lays an awful lot of pressure on some very young performers. Even taking that on the chin as a necessity of the story, there were too many moments when I struggled to work out exactly what was going on (Cruella's initial capture of Pongo and Perdi, for instance, was baffling – she seemingly only managed to abduct them from their home because a scene change happened around them). There's also simply a dearth of memorable characters beyond Cruella: Perdi is lovely, but her aside it's hard to feel especially invested in the bland good guys (beyond the obvious fact that skinning puppies is bad). And while stage legend Douglas Hodge's wordy, string-and-brass-heavy songs are pleasant and good at keeping the story ticking along, there's a lack of killer tunes that might have compensated for other shortcomings – although the joyous finale 'One Hundred and One' is a keeper. My kids didn't care about any of this: they enjoyed two hours of a lighthearted good vs evil yarn with some cool puppets and a boo-hissable villain. They didn't worry about the merits of '101 Dalmatians' as a musical for the ages. And if you can take the same attitude, you'll have a blast, or at least you'll have a blast in the good bits. But ultimately the Open Air Theatre is one of the best musical theatre venues in London, and by its own extremely lofty standards, '101 Dalmatians' is a bit of a dog's dinner.
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Adidas quietly makes a dramatic change
So you won't eat a burger or bacon, but you'll proudly rock that lambskin bag? Or you'll judge meat-eaters like it's your job and then slip on leather loafers without a second thought. Plenty of us condemn the slaughter of animals for our plates while turning a blind eye to what we stuff into our closets like Cruella de Vil. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter But turns out there is a limit. We all want to support companies that reflect our beliefs, especially when it comes to issues like sustainability, social justice, and the humane treatment of animals. The bottom line is that brand loyalty isn't just about quality or price anymore. It's also about political alignment, ethics, trust, and transparency. For many people, knowing that a brand takes a stand against animal cruelty can be the difference between clicking "buy" or bailing. That growing awareness is now pushing some of the world's biggest companies to make meaningful changes. That's certainly true of one of the most iconic names in athleticwear: Adidas. Adidas announced this week it will stop using kangaroo leather in its footwear. (And I mean, who knew?!) The decision follows pleas from an animal rights activist, Wayne Pacelle, who launched an awareness campaign called "Kangaroos are not Shoes" in 2020. Pacelle then showed up in person at the Adidas annual general meeting last week in Fürth, Germany. Related: Nordstrom makes change sure to anger customers Following the Adidas announcement, Japanese company ASICS made the same decision and will no longer use kangaroo skins for its soccer shoes. "With the rapid-fire announcements from ASICS and adidas, we're witnessing the dismantling of a supply chain built on bloodshed and the orphaning of kangaroo joeys," said Center for a Humane Economy President Wayne Pacelle in a statement. "The foreign markets for kangaroo skins are collapsing, and that can only mean good news for the iconic marsupials of Australia." Pacelle hoped to highlight the plight of one of Australia's most beloved animals and end the use of kangaroo skins in the construction of shoes such as the Adidas Copa Mudial soccer cleats. Related: As many department stores close, this chain adds new locations Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden said the company stopped using kangaroo skins several months ago and will not resume purchasing them. Nike, Puma, New Balance, Diadora, and UK-based Sokito had already announced they would stop using kangaroo skins in their products. One of the issues that has drawn outrage is the way kangaroos have suffered due to the commercial hunting industry. Hunters slaughter an estimated 2 million kangaroos annually, including mothers and their joeys. More retail: Aldi releases viral Trader Joe's item that is always out of stock Home Depot, Lowe's rivals strategic growth planTrader Joe's making huge mistake not copying Walmart, Target The hides of adult kangaroos are used for products like soccer cleats, while orphaned joeys are bludgeoned, decapitated, or left to die, according to In Defense of Animals, an international animal protection organization. This widespread cruelty, coupled with the environmental destruction from leather production, has fueled global opposition to kangaroo leather. The practice even prompted action in the U.S., where Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill) co-sponsored the Kangaroo Protection Act of 2024. The bill would have banned the manufacturing and sale of products made from kangaroo skin in the U.S., but it died in committee last year. In March 2025, Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025; no further action has been taken yet. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Democrat Calls Out 1 Of Kristi Noem's Most Ridiculous Habits, And People Love The Pettiness
Here's just hoping she doesn't have a homemade Cruella de Vil costume. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who has earned nicknames like 'Cosplay Kristi' and 'ICE Barbie,' appeared before the House Homeland Security Committee Wednesday and was called out by Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.) about staging various photos of herself at ICE raids and other DHS missions in various, way-too-on-the-nose outfits. 'Whatever got you here, Secretary Noem, I'm glad you found time among your many photo ops and costume changes to testify about why President Trump is seeking more taxpayer dollars, and what you plan to do with that money if you get it,' Thompson said. The congressman's deliciously petty confrontation tickled many on X, formerly Twitter. 'ZING!' one user wrote. 'BA DA BING! 🎯🎯🎯🎯' wrote another. 'More of this, please,' echoed a third user. Since becoming DHS secretary, Noem has decided to mix her love of theatrics with terror by posting threatening photos and videos of herself dressed in various costumes you'd likely see a little boy wear on Halloween. In January, Noem posted a video of herself to social media in her best police officer getup, complete with a bulletproof vest, to share a message of unity with the American people. 'If you are in New York City this morning, we are getting the dirtbags off these streets,' she says in the video. In February, Noem busted out her favorite cowboy outfit and sat upon a horse to inform the country that she was in Del Rio, Texas, to check out what resources border agents needed to stop 'criminal actors that come across this border.' In the past she's also worn firefighter, Coast Guard and Border Patrol uniforms. 'She is not a customs and border control agent, but she had them make her a uniform, I guess?' MSNBC host Rachel Maddow joked during a segment making fun of Noem's various outfits in April. And although mocking Noem's ~lewks~ might be mean, it's nothing in comparison to her openly flouting a Supreme Court order or helping to facilitate a mass deportation of migrants without due process — which she has a costume for as well.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kamala Harris trolled for her Met Gala look: ‘Cruella did it better'
Former Vice President Kamala Harris became the centre of online mockery following her debut at the 2025 Met Gala, where her black-and-cream ensemble quickly drew comparisons to Disney villain Cruella de Vil . The 60-year-old politician appeared at the star-studded event alongside her husband, Doug Emhoff, wearing a custom design captured in a Vogue portrait by former White House photographer Cameron Smith. But rather than praise, social media users greeted the outfit with ridicule. The annual gala, themed this year around Black dandyism, featured striking looks from A-listers like Zendaya, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton. While many guests were lauded for creativity and flair, Harris's appearance struck the wrong chord with viewers online. 'She's going for Cruella de Vil, but Cruella did it better,' one user quipped on X, formerly Twitter. Another joked, 'Keep her away from the Dalmatians!' Others mocked the outfit as resembling a curtain or something out of Jordan Peterson's wardrobe. 'The designer of this fashion crime… straight to jail,' one user wrote. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn How Smart Traders Use Data to Navigate Volatile Markets Trader Headline Learn More Undo A popular meme dubbed her 'Kamala de Vil,' a nickname that quickly trended. Off-White's creative director IB Kamara called the dress 'precise simplicity' that 'complements her strength and confidence.' Vogue Magazine also praised the styling, though online audiences weren't convinced. 'This dress makes Kamala look like she put on at least 50 pounds,' another user posted. 'Not even pretending to be in touch with everyday Americans, I see,' someone else added. Rumours of Harris attending the Met Gala began after she and Emhoff were spotted at Manhattan's exclusive Polo Bar the night before. Their high-security entourage included NYPD officers and seven black SUVs, with agents guarding the area while the couple mingled with diners. The sight only fuelled criticism that Harris was out of touch with ordinary voters, particularly given the steep $75,000 ticket price for the event. The gala, held every first Monday in May, raised an expected $31 million for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute this year. While stars like Pharrell Williams, Rihanna, and Doechii embraced the evening's theme with style and swagger, Harris's outfit became an unintended punchline. As one viral comment summed it up: 'Imagine if this woman were president — would she even work an 8-hour day?'
Asharq Al-Awsat
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
When Did Disney Villains Stop Being So Villainous? New Show Suggests They May Just Be Misunderstood
Cruella de Vil wanted to turn Dalmatian puppies into fur coats, Captain Hook tried to bomb Peter Pan and Maleficent issued a curse of early death for Aurora. But wait, maybe these Disney villains were just misunderstood? That's the premise of a new musical show at Walt Disney World that has some people wondering: When did Disney's villains stop wanting to be so ... villainous? The live show, "Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After," debuts May 27 at Disney's Hollywood Studios park at the Orlando, Florida, resort. In the show, the three baddies of old-school Disney movies plead their cases before an audience that they are the most misunderstood villains of them all. "We wanted to tell a story that's a little different than what's been told before: Which one of them has been treated the most unfairly ever after?" Mark Renfrow, a creative director of the show, said in a promotional video. That hook - the narrative kind, not the captain - is scratching some Disney observers the wrong way. "I think it's wonderful when you still have stories where villains are purely villainous," said Benjamin Murphy, a professor of philosophy and religious studies at Florida State University's campus in Panama. "When you have villains reveling in their evil, it can be amusing and satisfying." Disney has some precedent for putting villains in a sympathetic light, or at least explaining how they got to be so evil. The 2021 film, "Cruella," for instance, presents a backstory for the dog-hater played by actor Emma Stone that blames her villainy on her birth mother never wanting her. Other veins of pop culture have rethought villains too, perhaps none more famously than the book, theatrical musical and movie versions of "Wicked," the reinterpretation of the Wicked Witch of the West character from "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." The blockbuster success of "Wicked, " which was based on the 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West," sparked the trend of rethinking villains in popular entertainment, Murphy said. "With trends like that, the formula is repeated and repeated until it's very predictable: Take a villain and make them sympathetic," he said. The centuries-old fairy tales upon which several Disney movies are based historically were meant to teach children a lesson, whether it was not to get close to wolves (Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs) or trust strange, old women in the woods (Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel). But they often made marginalized people into villains - older women, people of color or those on the lower socioeconomic scale, said Rebecca Rowe, an assistant professor of children's literature at Texas A&M University-Commerce. The trend toward making villains more sympathetic started in the late 1980s and 1990s as children's media took off. There was a desire to present villains in a manner that was more complicated and less black and white, as there was an overall cultural push toward emphasizing acceptance, she said. "The problem is everyone has swung so hard into that message, that we have kind of lost the villainous villains," Rowe said. "There is value in the villainous villains. There are people who just do evil things. Sometimes there is a reason for it, but sometimes not. Just because there is a reason doesn't mean it negates the harm." Whether it's good for children to identify with villains is complicated. There is a chance they adopt the villains' traits if it's what they identify with, but then some scholars believe it's not a bad thing for children to empathize with characters who often are part of marginalized communities, Rowe said. The Disney villains also tend to appeal to adults more than children. They also appreciate the villains' campiness, with some "Disney princesses" gladly graduating into "evil queens." Erik Paul, an Orlando resident who has had a year-round pass to Disney World for the past decade, isn't particularly fond of the villains, but understands why Disney would want to frame them in a more sympathetic light in a show dedicated just to them. "I know friends who go to Hollywood Studios mainly to see the villain-related activities," Paul said. "Maybe that's why people like the villains because they feel misunderstood as well, and they feel a kinship to the villains."
