IT'S ruff news for all the aspiring canine actors out there - the role of Toto has been filled.
But Trouble and Flick, the two Australian Cairn Terriers picked to play Dorothy's furry friend in the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz, are more than up to the challenge.
"After rigorous paw-ditions across the country, we unanimously agreed that Flick and Trouble were the perfect dogs to play our Toto," said producer John Frost.
"They are clever and confident dogs who will be trained based on techniques using natural instincts and positive reinforcement for tricks from travelling in a 'flying' house to being carried in a basket by Dorothy and encounters with the Wicked Witch of the West."
They've both been trained by the country's leading film, television and theatre dog trainer Luke Hura - so there will be no chewing of the ruby slippers.
Having previously worked with Red Dog star Koko, Luke will be teaching the dogs a variety of tricks 'set to script' as well as teaching Dorothy actress Samantha Dodemaide how to work collaboratively with her canine co-stars.
Flick and Trouble will follow the Yellow Brick Road with Dodemaide, Anthony Warlow (The Wizard and Professor Marvel), Lucy Durack (Glinda the Good Witch) and Jemma Rix (the Wicked Witch of the West) in the Australian production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's classic musical.
The production will also raise money for the RSPCA with special fundraising tickets for select performances in each state.
"With Toto being one of the most-loved characters in the show, it seemed a logical and rewarding partnership," said producer Suzanne Jones.
"As Dorothy discovers 'there is no place like home'; so we are looking forward to working with RSPCA in each state to raise money and awareness for 'rescue dogs', animals who have been abandoned, to help them find a new and forever home."
- The Wizard of Oz is on at Brisbane's Lyric Theatre from November 4, Sydney's Capitol Theatre from December 30, Adelaide's Festival Theatre from April 3 and Melbourne's Regent Theatre from May 15.
Details www.wizardofozthemusical.com
