A massive dog playing the lead role in a musical—is this the plot to a cheesy TV movie for kids? Nope. It’s the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s world premiere of “Because of Winn Dixie The Musical.”

Based on the beloved book of the same name by author Kate DiCamillo (“The Tale of Despereaux,” “The Tiger Rising,” “Bink & Gollie”), the new musical stars a live dog on stage. In fact, two Irish Wolfhounds—Taran and Cally—will share the role of Winn Dixie, a stray dog that changes the life of Opal, a lonely girl who has recently moved to a small southern town.

You may have seen animals onstage before, but this production takes it to a new level of excitement—and preparation. The doggy duo will be trained by Broadway animal trainer, Bill Berloni, whose long list of credits include training the pups who appeared in the original Broadway and current revival productions of “Annie.” As the main character, Winn Dixie is present in almost every scene. “When you’re dealing with this 140-pound dog, there’s a lot of fun to be had,” says show director John Tartaglia. “You can hear over and over again how big they are, but it’s overwhelming when you first see them,” he says. “They’re these big graceful horses almost. They’re very soulful and so intelligent. They walk into a room and your heart kind of melts when you see them.”

Though Taran and Cally may steal the show, the show’s creative team is full of stars as well. The show will be directed by Tartaglia, who families may recognize from Disney’s “Johnny and the Sprites.” Tartaglia began working as a Muppet on “Sesame Street” at the age of 16, and went on to star in the original cast of “Avenue Q.” He also created the off-Broadway glow-in-the-dark family musical “John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean” and is currently directing the touring production of “Jim Henson’s Dinosaur Train Live: Buddy’s Big Adventure.”

Plus, the lyrics and book were written by Nell Benjamin, who was nominated for a Tony Award for the “Legally Blonde” musical. “Nell has found the funny in the show,” says Tartaglia. “There are so many great conflicts, but there’s also a lot of funny stuff too.”

Benjamin worked closely with Tony and Grammy-Award winner Duncan Sheik (“Spring Awakening”), who composed the original score. “Duncan has written a really neat score—everything from fun, folky music to rockabilly to country,” Tartaglia says.

Audiences can expect a wide variety of musical numbers, including big, foot-tapping scenes with the whole cast, and some softer moments between Winn Dixie and Opal, who will be played by local teen Julia Landfair, an eighth grader at Episcopal Collegiate School. It won’t be the first time the talented teen has graced The Rep’s stage: She has been in the cast of several Rep shows, including “Les Miserables.” Audiences also may have seen her perform in the annual Summer Musical Theatre Intensive (SMTI) production—she has completed five years in the competitive program.

“Duncan is a rock star, and this is his first real family piece. So he’s never treated it as a kid’s musical—he’s given it the same respect,” Tartaglia says.

Despite wildly different resumes, the team has one thing in common: a love for DiCamillo’s original novel and a desire to protect the integrity of the story.

“I was struck by how beautiful and smart the book is and how it doesn’t talk down to kids,” Tartaglia says. “It talks about issues that kids really go through: divorce and alcoholism, losing a parent, regret. I read the book in a day and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Kate’s writing does that—she strikes a chord. As the director, I want to honor that, so that the audience is touched by something or struck by something in the show.”

The team aims to stay true to the simplicity of Opal and Winn Dixie’s story, focusing on the bond between humans and their pets. But the story also revolves around the revelations characters have about themselves and how Opal’s canine friend helps her build relationships with people in a new community.

“Because of this dog and because of Opal, they end up becoming a little family,” Tartaglia says. “There are so many talking moments in the show: what makes a family; finding the strengths in your community; taking the time to get to know someone, not just in pleasantries. There’s a lot for families to take away.”

Best of all, Arkansas audiences have the chance to see the heartwarming show before it travels all the way to Broadway. After the premiere at The Rep, “Winn Dixie” is scheduled to run at the Papermill Playhouse in New Jersey, followed by a New York City debut.

“Because of Winn Dixie The Musical” will play Dec. 4-29 at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. Click here to see how you can reserve your seat at Little Rock Family Day at The Rep!