@bcrocker33 Well, this is just something to find a dog for ONE gala performance- I think they have professional dogs for the majority of the performances. I guess the best reason that can be given for finding a Toto is that it is fun and provides entertainment. Additionally, what do you mean by american west end shows not using american accents? They do, as long as it is specifically not set in America- for example, "Wicked" is set in Oz not America so they won't use American accents etc.
@bcrocker33 That is the one thing I'm thinking about. Toto, throughout the show, is carried in a basket. Imagine Vira Gulch trying to get Toto on her bicycle to put him to sleep; she would have her arm off with some of them! They had a couple of missions this week with the dogs. One with the dog they have already chosen and the one for the special performance with dogs from the geberal public.