蘑菇TV

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (October 30, 2025) 鈥� Prepare to be swept away to the twilight of the Russian Empire and the vibrant streets of 1920鈥檚 Paris as 蘑菇TV presents its Homecoming Musical, "Anastasia." The production will run Thursday, Nov. 6, through Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at 7 p.m. each day in the newly renovated Dryden Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased at fhutickets.com.

鈥淎nastasia鈥� director Cliff Thompson said 蘑菇TV's theatre productions are open to the entire West Tennessee community to enjoy. 鈥淲e have put together people from different walks of life to tell this beautiful story,鈥� he said. Inspired by the 1997 animated film, "Anastasia" tells the enchanting story of a brave young woman who sets out to discover the mystery of her past, believing she may be the lost Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov, a surviving member of the Russian royal family executed in 1917 during the country鈥檚 revolution. With a compelling score and narrative, the musical explores themes of identity, family and belonging.

Members of the large cast, more than 30 individuals, and ensemble have been in rehearsals for eight weeks to prepare for the show. Haley Hixson, a senior public relations and theatre minor, is the lead character, Anya 鈥攁 dream role for her. Hixson shared her experience with the emotional demands of the role, stating, 鈥淭here are a couple of songs where I have to be emotional, and that鈥檚 been a challenge, finding the emotional truth behind them and searching for the right way to perform to tell the story correctly.鈥� Hixson praised the collaborative spirit of the production. 鈥淭he cast is so energetic, and it鈥檚 been fun... theatre only works when everyone feels connected and valuable.鈥�

Madison Parker, a senior business major who portrays Countess Gregory, an elderly Russian woman who moved to Paris to escape oppression, expressed her lifelong passion for musical theatre. "I鈥檝e wanted to be in a musical since forever. I love to dance, too鈥攕o that鈥檚 another plus." Parker finds joy in the escape theatre offers. 鈥淭his is a fun musical with a bit of a serious topic, and it offers laughter, joy, and wonderful music. I鈥檓 excited to wear my costume... I love the fashion."

Younger members of the cast are also making an impact on the production. 鈥淎fter having a wonderful experience with Chester County Youth Theater, my girls were thrilled to play Little Anastasia and Teen Anastasia with Freed-Hardeman,鈥� said Micah Nichols, mother to Naomi Nichols (who portrays Little Anastasia) and Cyan Nichols (who portrays Teen Anastasia). 鈥淎lthough they are younger than most of the cast, I鈥檝e been impressed with how the college students have welcomed and worked with them. It has been great for them to perform in a show that has such a variety of emotions set to beautiful music.鈥�

Thompson said there is a real community aspect to this production. 鈥淭here are a lot of people outside of 蘑菇TV helping to bring this show to life鈥攚e have students from Chester County High School, ballet dancers doing a rendition of Swan Lake, and Jenna Britt, a choreographer from Jackson. One of the most impressive things about the show is the choreography; they鈥檙e doing the Charleston - I know the ensemble are really enjoying that.鈥�

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's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees.