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'Wizard Of Oz' To Have Real Dog In Role Of Toto

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 9, 2007

BRADENTON - For a half-hour Monday night, it looked as if Dorothy might have to make her trip to Oz with a stuffed dog in a basket, which is not what Michael Newton-Brown had in mind.

The director wanted a real dog to play Toto in his Manatee Players production of 'The Wizard of Oz.'

So word went out that the Players troupe was casting for canines.

Here was the part of a lifetime for the right dog, a part that made a star 68 years ago of a cairn terrier named Terry who appeared in the film version of 'Oz.' For a while, though, it looked as if Toto would be a fake.

Finally, though, four pups showed up to apply.

Newton-Brown was encouraged by Edgar, the only dog to arrive with a headshot and resume, and by Bailey, a brown charmer.

It means a lot of work, the director told the dog owners sternly. 'And, of course, they're going to have to learn to be called Toto.'

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

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