Meet Adoptable Dogs at OZ Pre-Show Event
Inspired by the real-life story of the dog that stars as Toto in the national tour of The Wizard of Oz, Starlight Theatre will host a “Take Home Toto” pre-show event June 11-15. Toto is expertly played by Nigel, a Cairn terrier who was rescued from the Northeast Arkansas Humane Society in 2008 by Tony® Award-winning animal trainer and guardian William Berloni.
Starlight is partnering with five leading local pet-adoption agencies and shelters to introduce Starlight guests to adoptable dogs. Shelter volunteers and adoptable dogs will be on site each night (except opening night) from 6 to 8 p.m. to meet and greet guests arriving for The Wizard of Oz. The “Take Home Toto” event will be located on the theatre’s north lawn, inside Gate 6 and adjacent to Starlight’s Yellow Brick Bash pre-show event.
The shelters partnering with Starlight in this outreach effort to place pets in forever homes are:
- Wayside Waifs – Wednesday, June 11
- T.A.R.A. (The Animal Rescue Alliance) – Thursday, June 12
- Humane Society of Greater Kansas City – Friday, June 13
- Great Plains SPCA – Saturday, June 14
- Kansas City Pet Project – Sunday, June 15
A ticket to The Wizard of Oz is required to attend this pre-show dog-adoption event. Guests are invited to bring new dog toys, treats, leashes, collars and other items to donate to the participating agencies.
NOTE: While Starlight guests will not be able to actually take home a pet on their show night, they can meet available dogs, learn about their personalities and, if interested, initiate adoption paperwork.
The Wizard of Oz will take the Starlight Theatre stage from June 10-15. Click here for more information and tickets.