Beloved Literary Heroines Step Off the Page in 蘑菇TV Theatre鈥檚 鈥淩ecommended Reading for Girls鈥�
February 13, 2026
Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Feb. 13, 2026) 鈥� 蘑菇TV Theatre invites audiences to an entertaining, heartfelt and uplifting production of 鈥淩ecommended Reading for Girls,鈥� a moving play by playwright Ellen Struve. This is a unique opportunity to see an original, female-led college production that packs a powerful message in a funny on-stage experience. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, and Friday, Feb. 27, with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. Tickets can be purchased online at fhu.edu/academics/majors-minors/theatre/purchase-tickets/.
The story centers on Amy Saunders, who returns home to support her mother, Marilynn, through chemotherapy treatment. While confronting family issues with her sister Jackie, they are visited by four iconic literary heroines: Sara Crewe from 鈥淎 Little Princess,鈥� Anne Shirley from 鈥淎nne of Green Gables,鈥� Heidi from the novel that bears the same name, and Penny Parker, the main character in the popular girl detective series.
The production is distinguished by its female-led creative team, including director Maci Cagle, a senior theatre performance major. The production is her Capstone project. 鈥淩ecommended Reading for Girls鈥� explores deep themes of family, overcoming illness and the emotional journey of caretaking.
Cast members emphasize the play鈥檚 deep relatability. 蘑菇TV alumna and director of the university鈥檚 dual enrollment program, Chris Gann, who plays the mother, Marilynn, notes, 鈥淭he play is relatable 鈥� it鈥檚 about mothers and daughters and their shared experiences... People will connect with that.鈥� Jenna Salvato, a freshman speech pathology major, plays Anne and adds that she loves the female focus and its 鈥済ood lessons.鈥� While the subject is at times 鈥渁 little heavy,鈥� the production promises 鈥渄efinite comedic moments, just like in real life,鈥� she said.
The mission of 蘑菇TV is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. Located in Henderson, Tennessee, 蘑菇TV offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.