By ALLIE BELL | OBU News Bureau
The Department of Theatre Arts in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Performing Arts will present “Freesia,” a student-led MUSE project, from Thursday-Sunday, Feb. 12-15, 2026, in Verser Theatre. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with a matinee scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Written by Abby Burlison, a 2024 Ouachita graduate who crafted the play for her thesis in the Carl Goodson Honors program, “Freesia” brings a group of unlikely figures together on a high-spirited, hilarious adventure toward a better future. The production is fully led by Ouachita’s student theatrical initiative MUSE – a program that gives students opportunities to propose and produce theatre works of their choosing to promote their professional growth.
Kenzie Tatum, a senior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Arkansas, is directing the show.
“‘Freesia’ is a brand-new play, and I get to be the first director to bring it to life; there’s something so exciting yet so intimidating about that,” Tatum said. “I’ve gotten to work closely with the playwright, which is a unique experience for a director. Leading this production is a dream come true. Our cast, production crew and faculty advisors created this world together from the ground up, and I’m so excited for the Ouachita audience to see the final product!”
Tickets are $8-10 and can be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice or on weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Ouachita Box Office in JPAC. Ouachita students may receive one free ticket with their university ID. For more information, contact the box office at 870-245-5555.
Cast
- Jordyn Purtle, a sophomore musical theatre major from Benton, Arkansas, as Marlowe
- Gavin Anders, a junior musical theatre major from Hot Springs, Arkansas, as Soleil
- Abbi Brewer, a freshman theatre education major from Hope, Arkansas, as Theodrah
- Ryder Ashlock, a junior theatre arts and criminal justice double major from Royse City, Texas, as Rycrow
- Cooper Armstrong, a junior musical theatre major from McGregor, Texas, as Krikorian
- Zeke Andrews, a freshman theatre education major from Sherwood, Arkansas, as Latchell
- Kate Kelley, a senior music education major from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, as Maxrie
Feature ensemble (sailors & merchants)
- Kade Loomis, a sophomore musical theatre major from Nagoya, Japan
- Ella Washington, a freshman communications & media and English/writing double major from Pontotoc, Mississippi
- Parker Rogers, a freshman community & family services/clinical major from Maumelle, Arkansas
- Steven Hibbard, a sophomore computer science major from Crossett, Arkansas
- Cadence Cowan, a freshman musical theatre major from Springfield, Missouri
- Miriam Vermeer, a junior musical theatre major from Ashdown, Arkansas
Production Team
- Director – Kenzie Tatum, a senior musical theatre major from North Little Rock, Arkansas
- Stage Manager – Madisyn Sallas, a senior musical theatre major from Austin, Arkansas
- Assistant Stage Manager – Brooks Harrison, a junior musical theatre major from Fort Smith, Arkansas
- Original Music – Dr. Ian Aipperspach, interim director of library services and assistant professor of music
- Scenic Design – Elisha Leake, a freshman theatre education major from Wynne, Arkansas
- Lighting Design – Eric Phillips, professor and chair of the Department of Theatre Arts
- Costume Design – Virginia Waterman, a senior musical theatre major from Dallas, Texas
- Prop Master – Hadley Gilmore, a junior musical theatre major from Van Buren, Arkansas