The Search For Toto In ‘the Wizard Of Oz’ The Classic Movie Musical Live On Stage In Dubai

Jan. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- are searching for two talented dogs to share the pivotal role of TOTO in their upcoming spectacular production of the classic MGM movie musical The Wizard Of Oz.

Presented by Popular Productions, The Wizard of Oz will run for nineteen unforgettable performances at the Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah during April and will star a cast of West End performers alongside some of the UAE’s most talented local performers.

One of the most famous stories of all time. The Wizard of Oz became legend with the Oscar winning 1939 movie version starring Judy Garland. This brilliant live musical version of the movie which was originally developed by the Royal Shakespeare Company features all the wonderful songs from the movie including ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard’ and ‘Merry Old Land of Oz’ and all the famous characters such as Dorothy, The Wicked Witch, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow.

The search is now on for two dogs to play the role of Toto, Dorothy Gale’s beloved pet. Popular Productions are sniffing out Dubai’s top dog talent to star in the show. The dogs will be required to rehearse in advance of the show, working closely with the Director and lead cast of the show. The dogs will appear in 9 performances each.

Do you have a talented dog who would love to tread the boards and star as ‘Toto’? If so then submissions are being welcomed now. The Popular Productions creative team along with trainers from K9 Friends will select ten finalists from submissions to visit and work with before selecting the final two for the role. It’s an exciting opportunity for dog lovers to be involved with and it is not essential for your dog to have had experience on stage or on screen. All applications will be assessed.

Please check your dog fits the brief below and then make an application along with the name of your dog, it’s breed, age and weight plus your contact details and a recent photograph of your dog which shows the whole dog, not just their face to: toto@wizardofozlive.com by 1st February 2014. More information is available at wizardofozlive.com/toto

The requirements for any suitable dogs are as follows:

Weight: No more than 7kg but no less than 3 kg

Breeds: All small dogs will be considered (e.g. Westie / Mongrel / Terrier etc). If you’re unsure – just submit your dog and the producers will get back to you.

Temperament: Calm, friendly dogs who are used to children and happy to meet strangers. This would not suit hyperactive dogs or dogs who do not have control of barking/aggression.

Age: No older than 7 years (human years) No younger than 1 year.

Training level: Your dog should be able to respond to the following commands:

SIT / LIE DOWN / STAY and be GOOD ON A LEASH / GOOD BEING CARRIED

Date Requirements: Selected rehearsal dates between the 15th March - 3rd April 2014. And then 9 performances per dog between 3rd-18th April 2014.

Applications should be made via email to toto@wizardofozlive.com by 1st February 2014.

K9 Friends and The Wizard of Oz

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is proud to support of ‘K9 Friends’. K9 Friends is a non-profit shelter that rescues abandoned dogs and finds them loving new homes. It is voluntary run organization totally dependent on contributions from the general public. Please visit http://www.k9friends.com for more information.

THE WIZARD OF OZ Is produced by John Payton & Lucy Magee for Popular Productions. It is produced in association with 7 Days, Radio 2 (Official Radio), Expatwoman, Dubainightplanner and Connector Magazine.

THE WIZARD OF OZ

By L. Frank Baum
With Music and Lyrics by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg
Background Music by Herbert Stothart
Dance and Vocal Arrangements by Peter Howard
Orchestration by Larry Wilcox
Adapted by John Kane for the Royal Shakespeare Company
Based upon the Classic Motion Picture owned by Turner Entertainment Co. and distributed in all media by Warner Bros.

Directed by John Payton

Presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc