Musical about Rob Ford to go on, but red carpet and opening night party scrapped

A new musical about Toronto’s mayor will open tonight despite Rob Ford’s cancer diagnosis — but the creators say they’re scrapping a planned party and red carpet.

Producer Brett McCaig says they’ll also “dim the marquee” in light of Wednesday’s revelation that Ford has been diagnosed with malignant liposarcoma.

“Rob Ford the Musical: Birth of a Ford Nation” has been in previews and is slated to open at Toronto’s Factory theatre and run through Sept. 28.

Anthony Bastianon composed 10 original tunes for the story in which a “spiritual guide” leads Ford through the past year of his tumultuous life — including his admitted drug use and stint in rehab.

McCaig says the production will be collecting donations for the Canadian cancer society at each show.

Actor-singer Sheldon Bergstrom of Prince Albert, Sask., landed the lead role of Ford after a nationwide search.

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