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“Freesia” to put Ouachita’s MUSE members on the map

February 09, 2026 - Allie Bell

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 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

Featured 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