BIDDEFORD — Auditions are beginning now for the unique play “The Bad Cats of Biddeford.”
In May, the play will make its debut in the Biddeford Middle School auditorium and is adapted from a children’s book written by Crystal Ward Kent and based on real events that took place in the city in the early 1990s when an abundance of stray cats roamed the city streets.
The “Bad Cats of Biddeford” is a family friendly show that includes original songs, dancing, and raises awareness for shelters and stray animals.
“When people in Biddeford began to hear about the book, there was talk about adapting it into a play,” said Kent. “Next thing I knew, we were trying to figure out how to make this happen.”
The play already has some noteworthy cast members. Mayor Alan Casavant of Biddeford and Mayor Marston Lovell of Saco will play themselves and perform alongside other business leaders from local businesses such as Elements, Walter’s Watch Repair, and Market Basket.
The cast is not limited to only those leaders.
“Aside from civic leaders, we’re opening the cast up to the Biddeford student body and the community. Students from the intermediate school to the high school are welcome to audition, as well as adults in the community,” said Biddeford Middle School Performing Arts Center Director Nick Willette.
Willette said there are about six lead roles and at least 15 secondary speaking parts.
When the show debuts, Kent said they hope to have representatives from local animal shelters in the lobby taking donations and providing information on the animals they have in their shelters.
“(We want to) raise awareness for shelters in the area and help provide funding for them (as well),” Kent said.
Right now, there isn’t a set price for tickets, but as the show gets closer, Kent said they’ll know more regarding those prices.
The show has a central message of helping stray animals, but there are also underlying messages as well.
“The play isn’t just a children’s play,” said Kent. “It’s family oriented — both kids and adults will like the layers of meanings and messages throughout.”
Willette said they hope to attract Biddeford and Saco citizens and give shelter animals another shot at a happy life and home.
“Our main goal with the play is to shed a positive light on Biddeford,” said Kent. “Also, we hope to shine a light on the amount of stray animals and shelters, and the need for them to find good homes.”
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