Auditions held for play about dangers of fentanyl and the life of Amanda McAuley

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Auditions were held for a play Tuesday about the life of Amanda McAuley who died from a fentanyl overdose a year ago.

Amanda McAuley, of Poland, was 27 when she died from an overdose of fentanyl, and now the story of her life — and death — are being told in a play to spread awareness of the dangers of the drug.

“It’s going to be a beautiful play. I mean, we’re going to show her life,” said Amanda’s mother Donna McAuley.

Donna started a crusade on the dangers of fentanyl after her daughter died, putting her message on billboards throughout the Valley , starting her nonprofit A.M. Wake Up Call, and now organizing a play.

“I heard about the story and the things that happened with her daughter and immediately thought this would be a great movie,” said Michael Anthony Forney, who will direct the play.

“We’re going to give it some Broadway aspects. Amanda was into modeling, she was dancing. There were a lot of things to her story,” said Forney.

The working title of the play is “Amanda,” and while there will be laughter and tears — Donna also wants there to be a strong message.

“But if kids could remember Amanda’s face when it comes down to making choices and say no and think of Amanda and say, ‘you know what–I don’t want to die.'”

The play will be held October 11 at Youngstown’s Powers Auditorium.

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