Casting is nearly complete for a local Playhouse production. But there's still a part un-cast.
“We are really excited," said Christina Casella, the education and outreach director for The Playhouse. "And who wouldn’t be? It’s 'The Wizard of Oz.' "
I asked her how the development of special effects was going.
"The show opens in October, but they have already started working with the pyrotechnics and the smoke," Casella said. "They’re really excited; I think they’re having too much fun up there.”
Then we moved on to casting.
“We have our Dorothy, we have our Glinda, the Lion, the Tin Man, all of them. But we’re missing someone; it’s an issue," Casella said.
Her concern was palpable.
“We are probably missing the most important part next to Dorothy," Casella said. "We’re missing our Toto!”
Casella drilled down on what they're looking for:
“It takes a very special dog to be on stage with that many people, and you mentioned the special effects — they have to handle all of that without freaking out and running away,” she said.
I asked her if Toto had any "lines."
“There are a couple of barking cues, yes. But nothing too difficult," Casella said.
If you have a dog with acting chops, some vanity and a little ambition, here’s what you need to know:
"The audition for Toto — the 'dogdition' — is August 9 here at The Playhouse," Casella said. "And you can register and sign up your dog online."
- For more on the search for Toto visit: www.theplayhousesa.org