Max prepares to portray Toto.
Max is no ordinary dog. A charming terrier with a heart full of courage, he has overcome more than his fair share of hurdles before landing the role of a lifetime: Toto in Barter Theatre’s production of “The Wizard of Oz.” His journey to the stage was as inspiring as the timeless tale he would help bring to life, marked by resilience, love and a sprinkling of canine magic.
From a young age, Max faced challenges that might have daunted even the bravest of souls. Rescued from a tumultuous start, he spent his early months in a shelter, waiting for a family to see beyond his scruffy fur and spirited barks. But Max’s indomitable spirit never waned. He was determined to find his place in the world, a place where he could shine.
“Max came into my life via my partner, Forest. Forest got Max from a shelter on the day that he was supposed to be put down. Max is a prime example of ‘Adopt Don’t Shop.’ Max has lived many lives. His first homes were in Denver, before Forest and I got together. Max was a groupie for some of the bands that Forest was in. He was a city dog through and through,” one of Max’s owners Lauren Smith said. “When Forest and I got together, Max got more spoiled with trips to the mountains for hiking and fishing trips. Abingdon is probably Max’s favorite place to live. Now he has a backyard and lots of dog friends.
“His helper, Holly, has been so kind to him, and I think she’s now his favorite person. She helps with pickups and drop-offs and makes sure that Max is in the right place at the right time. The Barter folks have made this process very easy and fun. They are always looking out for Max.”
Max’s fortune changed when he was adopted into Lauren and Forest’s family. They quickly discovered that Max was not just a pet; he was a star in the making. His playful nature, boundless energy and remarkable ability to understand human emotions made him a beloved member of the family. His talents didn’t go unnoticed. Max’s quick learning and natural charisma caught the eye of Producing Artistic Director of Barter Theatre, Katy Brown.
“Max and I were enjoying a walk in Abingdon. Max loves going on walks, and he does have quite the strut. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a woman get out of her car. It was a red light, and she was running up to Max and I. Wondering what was going on, I took off my headphones to make sure everything was okay,” Smith explained. “She quickly shared her involvement with Barter and told me about Barter doing the ‘Wizard of Oz.’ She said ‘Your dog looks just like Toto, so I had to come see if there was any chance he would be interested.’
“I was so excited. I had just seen ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ and knew the magic the Barter was capable of. Max and I do tricks for treats every morning, so I proudly showed her his routine. We quickly exchanged phone numbers, and she ran back down the block to get back in her car,” Smith says.
Smith and Max finished their walk, as she imagined his future as a star. Sure enough, in February Brown called the duo back, and Max had his audition shortly after.
“Max has a lot of persona in a small package, so he shined at his audition. He likes to please others and loves treats. It was really meant to be,” Smith said. “Max is used to being the star in our home, so that translates well to the stage. He loves people and is known to sit on laps and gaze deeply into your eyes. I think that in his head, all the applause is for him. Which he loves.”
When the theater announced auditions for “The Wizard of Oz,” the role of Toto seemed tailor-made for Max. But the path to the stage wasn’t easy. Max had to train rigorously, mastering cues and navigating the bustling world of the theater. He faced long rehearsals and complex choreography, all while maintaining his infectious enthusiasm and wagging tail. Through it all, Max’s unwavering determination and boundless spirit won the hearts of the cast and crew.
“He is almost too comfortable on stage at this point. During one show, he did his full grooming routine during ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow,’ Smith laughed. “My favorite moment was during one of the rehearsals, when he saw his puppet for the first time. He thought it was a real dog and wanted so badly to go meet him. If you haven’t seen the puppet yet, make sure to check it out. The puppet looks exactly like Max if he went to Oz. The eyes are so on point — huge and emotive.”
To prepare for the role of Toto, Max went to some rehearsals and became acquainted with the folks who would be handling him on stage.
“At home, we started calling him Toto to get him used to it. The actors interacting with him on stage made sure to give him lots of love and treats. There is one scene where Max comes out to Dorothy while she is laying on the ground post-tornado, and one trick is that they make sure he knows that she has a treat in her hand before she goes out on stage,” Smith noted. “There is also a rule in place that only the folks handling Max interact with him backstage and at rehearsals to make sure that those are his favorite people. It must be hard for everyone else, because he is so cute.”
Off the stage, Max was just as wonderful. His affectionate nature brought joy to everyone he met, from his fellow actors to the theater staff. Max had a way of sensing when someone needed a little extra love, offering a nuzzle or a playful bark to lift their spirits. His presence was a reminder of the simple, profound joys that life can offer, even in the busiest of times.
“The most rewarding part of this experience is participating in all the greatness that is the Barter. Seeing such artistry and culture alive and well in Appalachia is inspiring. And fun. I hope to stay friends with some of the folks I have met,” Smith said. “Everyone involved in the production has been so kind and welcoming, not a dud in the bunch. It has been so fun for Max, too. He loves people, and we joke that it’s almost like doggy day care in a way. He’s always smiling and wagging his tail when I pick him up.”
As the lights dimmed and the curtain rose on opening night, Max stood poised and ready, embodying the faithful Toto with every fiber of his being. His journey to the stage had been anything but easy, yet here he was, a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic that can happen when a little dog dreams big.
“I’m proud of him for being himself and for being the best Toto around,” Smith says.
For more information on how to see Max in Barter’s The Wizard of Oz, visit www.bartertheatre.com/big-shows/the-wizard-of-oz.
