There’s no place like home.
The phrase made famous by the iconic ‘The Wizard Of Oz’ has been given new meaning, as Melbourne winter approaches. Dorothy can click her ruby-red heels together to take her and Toto home, and the animals of Melbourne are calling on the hearts of pet-loving Victorians to give them a fur-ever home too.
Acclaimed new musical theatre company and registered charity Theatrical is partnering up and supporting The Lost Dogs’ Home new winter adoption appeal, aptly named There’s No Place Like Home.
Programme sales and awareness raising will take place through Theatrical’s new production of ‘The Wizard Of Oz’, as they hope to find more homes for the many animals in need at The Lost Dogs’ Home shelters.
“I love that Dorothy and Toto both do anything to protect each other, and how unbreakable their bond is, no matter what trials they go through. They are always each other's first priorities,” Lyla Digrazia, who is playing Dorothy, says.
“It makes me so happy to know that there are places always striving to help find animals their forever loving homes. It’s not an easy process, and The Lost Dogs’ Home really takes into consideration what makes a perfect home in order for each dog to have a good life.”
Theatrical Founder/Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar is thrilled to support the cause.
Image © Nicole Cleary
“Like The Lost Dogs’ Home, Theatrical is a charity. We both work hard with dedicated teams of volunteers to help make our community a little better,” he says. “An increasing number of established and aspiring performers with mental health challenges are finding a safe space at Theatrical.”
“I am heart-warmed that we are able to provide a supportive experience and influence positive change through our rehearsal and performance process, seeing people challenge their insecurities, building their self-confidence and see them shine on stage. Pets, especially dogs, play a very important role in mental health and wellbeing so this partnership couldn’t be more perfect.”
‘The Wizard Of Oz’ is being staged in Australia for the first time in six years this June-July. The Lost Dogs’ Home’s spokesperson Suzana Talevski is excited about the partnership.
“The Lost Dogs’ Home is thrilled to be working with Theatrical, a company that is also committed to mental health and wellbeing,” Suzana says. “We know how much having a pet can improve a person’s life in so many ways, so to be able to get that message out together is wonderful.”
Casting is still ongoing to find the perfect pooches to share the part of Toto. . . So a rescued adoptee is not out of the question!
‘The Wizard Of Oz’ takes place at National Theatre (St Kilda) 29 June-9 July.
