RUMFORD – Auditions start this week for roles in the Rumford Public Library Children’s Theatre Summer Fest program production “Re-Elect Prince Charming,” which is being billed as a funny political thriller set in a fairy-tale kingdom.

According to Director Nancy O. DeMilner Demings, who wrote the play, auditions for actors ages 5 through 15 start at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, and Wednesday, June 4, at the library. Older teenagers are needed for backstage support. The production date is July 31.

Demings said the play begins with a prince who thinks his reelection will be a slam dunk.

“As it turns out, some of the princesses have issues and decide to support and run their own candidates for the Prince Charming job,” she said in a report. “When some not very competent evil queens and a wicked witch show up to curse the debate, every vote is needed to save the future of Fairytale Kingdom.”

Demings said her script was inspired by the presidential election campaigns.

“Then, there was the promise I made to the girls in the program. Some of them were not thrilled being ugly swamp creatures last year, so, I promised them I would write characters with prettier costumes this year,” she said.

Songs from the Irish Rovers, The Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and Billy Joel round out the storyline that will be presented to the public in matinee and evening performances on July 31.

There are 11 major roles, six minor roles and lots of room for 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds to join the show for a safe, fun stage experience.

Because the play, for Demings, represents her 10th and final year with the program, she wanted to accomplish two things.

“First, I wanted to find a new director to ensure the program’s continued success and, secondly, I wanted to write a show that would be fun and creative for the younger kids, interesting and challenging for the older kids, and also very entertaining for the parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors who come to the show every year to support the talented children I’ve been privileged to direct,” she said.

Both missions were accomplished.

“This is a great year for new kids to join the program. If a child has ever expressed an interest in learning performance art, this is the time. They will benefit from working with the experienced kids who are really great examples, and get to work with both me and Susie DeRoehn, the new director-to-be. The script turned out great, giving all the characters a full stage experience,” Demings said.

For more information, call the library at 364-3661.