Dogs take stage in search for ‘new’ Toto
Does your pooch have panache? Does Bailey or Bingo have the “it” factor? Find out as casting calls are held this weekend in a search for Toto — the famous cairn terrier from The Wizard of Oz — to star in CBC’s new live reality competition series Over the Rainbow.
Producers are looking for 10 Dorothys — and10 Totos — to compete in the series that starts in September. The top Dorothy will win the role in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Canadian production of The Wizard of Oz, which opens at the Ed Mirvish Theatre in Toronto in December.
The top Toto will be given a “prize package,” but due to the nature and demands of live entertainment he or she will not perform in the live show. That role will go to already proven doggie talent (yet to be chosen). The search for Dorothy is underway and the auditions for “Toto” will be held Saturday in the St. Lawrence Market starting at 9 a.m.
The tryouts are part of Woofstock, the continent’s largest festival for dogs. “Your dog doesn’t have to be a Toto look-alike, it can be any shape or size or breed,” says Don Weiner, of Temple Street Productions, which is producing the show. “We’re looking for a dog that embodies more the spirit of Toto than anything else.” Over the Rainbow host Daryn Jones will be joined by comedians Deb McGrath of Little Mosque on the Prairie and Colin Mochrie, star of the summer series Trust Us With Your Life, to select the 10 top dogs who will be featured weekly on Monday night results episodes of Over The Rainbow. After weekly eliminations ( based on Oz-inspired, canine-friendly challenges) and a nationwide vote, the winning Toto will be adorned with the coveted red ruby collar. The 10 Dorothys will appear on Sunday night episodes singing a mixture of Broadway and pop songs, facing elimination as the show proceeds. To compete, register your dog at the Woofstock info booth located on Church St. opposite the Flatiron Building. Registration closes at noon Saturday. Read the rules at cbc.ca/overtherainbow.