Alberta Theatre Projects finds their Totos for holiday production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’

Duncan (lighter) and Breezie (darker) have been cast to play Toto, Dorothy's dog, in Alberta Theatre Projects' holiday production of The Wizard of Oz.

It was no easy decision, but producers chose two dogs to play Toto in Alberta Theatre Projects’ upcoming holiday production of The Wizard of Oz.

The lucky dynamic duo are Breezie and Duncan. Breezy is a six-year-old Cairn terrier who stole the show during the audition process with her agility and training, while Duncan is a one-year-old Cairn Terrier-Westie mix who has played Toto before.

They will alternate performances throughout the run of the show.

Artistic director Haysam Kadri said the talented duo packs not only great stage presence, but they’ll enhance the storytelling and the audience experience.

“We found the two dogs that we felt will work best with the ensemble best for the piece,” said Kadri. “There’s an excitement when there are animals, live animals, on stage.

“We’re embracing it and we think it adds such a cool element to the show.”

ATP’s The Wizard of Oz opens Nov. 25 and runs through Jan. 4 at the Martha Cohen Theatre at Werklund Centre.

For more about Alberta Theatre Projects, go here.