Many potential candidates from different provinces rushed to the audition of "Rob Ford the Musical: Birth of a Ford Nation" in Toronto yesterday. The auditions were held at the Second City training center's basement audition suites.

"Rob Ford the Musical" hopefuls included seasoned actors, novices and fans of the ongoing Rob Ford debacle. One of them was even involved in the ongoing political mess, which inspired and continues to inspire the musical.

Transgression, a spiritual guide, is the primary character created for the musical. He attempts to help Ford see the error of his ways, such as admitting to smoking crack cocaine and other behaviors unbecoming of his place in office. Brett McCaig, the writer, said that all of these revelations in the play are based on true facts that already seem absurdist by nature, so it is only fitting that they be adapted to musical theater.

The Star reported that one hopeful, Dave Miller, sang "Bryan Wilson" when he auditioned. The song, originally by the Barenaked Ladies, is about the titular Beach Boys musician who is a drug addict. Travis Hay, another aspirant, sang "Rehab" (originally by Amy Winehouse) with adapted lyrics using his best impression of Ford's nasal tones. Other aspirants, like improv comedian Matthew Garlick, came from as far away as Vancouver to participate in the audition. Geoff Stone even shaved a section of his head and had his remaining hair dyed in blond.

McCaig was quick to say that the musical was not completely a bashing of Ford's tenure in office. He said, "We're not anti-Ford. We're not pro-Ford. We just tried to tell our story. We'd welcome Mr. Ford to come and do the opening night speech."

"Rob Ford the Musical: Birth of a Ford Nation" is scheduled to be shown for two weeks in September starting on the 16th.