RUMFORD —  49 Franklin’s Mystic Theater announces auditions for its Christmas production “FrUiTCaKeS” written by Julian Wiles. The play will take place at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15 and 16, and at 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 17.

Rehearsals will be two days a week, sometimes three if needed. Rehearsal days will be decided depending on the needs of the cast.

 Mix together a batch of fruitcakes, three dozen Christmas trees, 10,000 outdoor Christmas lights, a chicken pox epidemic, two southern spinsters, an estranged old man, a lost cat named Tutti Frutti and a Christmas hog named Buster and you’ve got the recipe for a fun-filled and touching evening of holiday cheer. Into this world comes Jamie, a kid who has run away from home and come as far as his money will take him.

At first, he thinks this town’s inhabitants are “nuttier than fruitcakes,” but soon he comes to admire, appreciate, and adore this nutty little town. A moving story of alienation, understanding and reconciliation, “FrUiTCaKeS” provides audiences with a heaping helping of holiday warmth and Christmas cheer.

A casting call for men, women and children will be held at 6 p.m., Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 16 and 17, at 49 Franklin in the Mystic Theater. 

 Director Cindy Grassette is looking for four men, four women, six boys and seven girls. Mack makes whirligigs and sells Christmas trees. Jamie is a runaway boy from the city. Beebo is the town’s only policeman, Betty Jane is Beebo’s wife and directs the Christmas pageant. Little Beebo is their son; Sally is their daughter. Miss Sarah is a grouchy spinster. Miss Alice is her sister, but more caring. Skeeter is a local fisherman and lover of poetry. Mattie Sue a neighbor who has been married six times. Rick is Mack’s son, and James is Rick’s son, Mack’s grandson. There are also children in the pageant. Children must be at least school age.

 Enter at the theater door at the back of the building. If you have questions or cannot make these times please call Cindy Grassette at 207-369-0129 for a special arrangement.

Comments are not available on this story.