Drayton Entertainment has announced it will once again engage local youths in the magic of live theatre.
Young performers aged 8 to 15 will have the opportunity to audition for roles as munchkins in the upcoming production of The Wizard of Oz.
Auditions will take place on Jan. 22 at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge. Advance registration is required.
Aspiring munchkins should be prepared to sing, Ding Dong the Witch is Dead from The Wizard of Oz.
No professional experience is necessary, but a passion for theatre is a must.
To accommodate the demands of this grand-scale production and to provide opportunities for as many youths as possible, the chosen performers will be divided into teams and perform on a rotating schedule with professional actors in the lead roles.
Visit www.draytonentertainment.com/Online/article/youth-auditions for more information, including a complete list of audition requirements and a link to the sign up form.
Canine casting call
Drayton Entertainment has launched its search for a friendly, well-trained small dog to play Dorothy’s faithful furry friend Toto.
The original Toto was a cairn terrier in the classic film. Cairn terriers and small dogs of similar breeds are welcome to try out for the part.
The successful Toto will be a healthy and happy dog with a spring in his or her step and in tip-top condition. No previous experience is necessary, however dogs need to respond on cue and be content being carried in a basket.
“We are looking for an outgoing little dog that has that ‘it’ factor, great tricks and lots of personality,” said Alex Mustakas, artistic director for Drayton Entertainment.
“The canine performer will also need to be obedient and comfortable around people.”
The chosen dog and its handler must be able to attend rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz from mid-February through early March, and all scheduled performances from March 4 through 29.
Interested pet owners should email a photo of their pooch by Jan. 19 to auditions@draytonentertainment.com.
Be sure to include why your furry friend is the perfect pup to play the role of Toto on stage. Submissions will be reviewed by the casting team and select dogs will be called for an audition later in the month.
For more details and to download the “Search for Toto” information flyer, visit www.draytonentertainment.com/Online/article/search-for-toto.
As previously announced, AJ Bridel will star as Dorothy Gale. The creative team includes director Madeline Paul, choreographer Gino Berti and music director Jeannie Wyse.
The Wizard of Oz is a stage adaption of the 1939 Hollywood film.
Considered one of the greatest family musicals of all time, The Wizard of Oz is the beloved tale of Dorothy Gale who, after a twister hits her Kansas home, is transported somewhere over the rainbow.
She embarks on an epic journey to meet the Wizard, accompanied by Scarecrow, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and her faithful dog Toto.
Don’t miss the chance to follow the yellow brick road – tickets for The Wizard of Oz are moving fast and theatregoers are encouraged to book in advance.
Tickets are $42 for adults and $25 for youths under 20. Tickets for groups of 20 or more are $34.
The Wizard of Oz runs March 4 through 29.
Tickets may be purchased online at www.dunfieldtheatrecambridge.com, in person at the box office or by calling 519-621-8000 or toll free 1-855-DRAYTON (372-9866).
