AUBURN — The lure of bright lights and a big stage drew 13 dogs of all shapes and sizes (and one cat!) to the Community Little Theater on Sunday. All were vying for a shot to play one of the most famous four-legged characters of all time.

But it was Kale who beat out the stiff competition to play Dorthy’s beloved Toto in the theater’s upcoming production of “The Wiz.” The popular 1974 retelling of the Judy Garland classic “The Wizard of Oz” opens to audiences Nov. 2.

The 2-year-old Yorkshire terrier belonging to Marissa Lussier will makes its stage debut alongside the cast of the theater’s 2012-13 season opener.

“I don’t really like dogs, so today was definitely a challenge for me,” laughed Tiffany Warren of Lewiston who plays Dorothy. “The fact that the dog is little and he doesn’t lick people makes me more comfortable.”

Lussier said she was surprised her pint-sized pup nabbed the role, especially when his toughest competitor — a Jack Russell named Cooper — played dead on command.

“I was little bit surprised,” Lussier said after the announcement while Kale got better acquainted with his co-star. “I mean, that other dog could just die. He doesn’t have that trick down yet.”

Lussier said Kale is prepared for the challenging role and has even watched “The Wizard of Oz.” She doesn’t think her dog will have a problem channeling his new-found alter-ego, especially given that he already thinks he’s way bigger than his less-than-10-pound size.

Warren and Director Nakesha “Kay” Myrick, also of Lewiston, were joined by Musical Director Mitch Thomas during Sunday’s auditions to find the perfect companion for Warren’s on-stage persona. Warren said she is excited about the role of Dorothy taking her well out of her comfort zone when it comes to dogs, and joked about how Sunday’s auditions were a definitely a crash course in four-legged friends.

“I didn’t expect this many dogs. I was fine when I saw the little dogs coming in, but then I saw all the bigger ones coming in,” Myrick said.

For Thomas the auditions brought back fond memories of the year he directed CLTs production of “The Wizard of Oz.” He held auditions back then, too, in his quest to find the 1998 musical’s Toto.

Thomas said the auditions are a great way to bring together the community and theater supporters.

“Activities and events like this are really good for the community and the theater,” Thomas said. “I think this dog is going to be great.”