The call is out for local pooches to take a starring role in the forthcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.

Producers of the show, which hits the Madinat Theatre in April, are seeking a furry star of the stage to play Dorothy’s faithful canine companion, Toto.

While an ability to respond to “fetch” will obviously come in handy, full training will be given to the two talented dogs who will share this role of a lifetime by K9 Friends, the Dubai-based non-profit shelter that finds homes for abandoned mutts.

The production, which is being put on by the same award-winning producers behind hit UAE musicals including ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, ‘Oliver!’ and ‘The Sound of Music’, will run for nineteen performances and will star a cast of West End performers alongside some of the UAE’s most talented local performers.

The story, which became legend with the Oscar winning 1939 movie version starring Judy Garland was subject of a similar talent contest on BBC television. It’s songs, which include ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard’ and ‘Merry Old Land of Oz’, are as famous as the lead characters such as Dorothy, The Wicked Witch, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow.

Think you’ve got a star just waiting to be born? Applications require a recent photograph of the dog, breed, age and weight.

Go to wizardofozlive.com/toto for more information. If your dog is picked this could be the start of the yellow brick road to stardom.