蘑菇TV

HENDERSON, Tenn. 鈥� (April 28, 2026) 鈥斅燱hat happens when stories have opinions and they don't like to be mistold? 蘑菇TV Theatre invites audiences into that question with the premiere of "The Fabulist," an original production performing Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. in Dryden Auditorium. Admission is a suggested $5 donation at the door with proceeds supporting the cast鈥檚 upcoming trip to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

Created in collaboration with New York Times best-selling author Brad Montague and his wife Kristi, and co-written and directed by 蘑菇TV Theatre director R. Cliff Thompson, "The Fabulist" blends imagination, honesty and discovery into a story that is both thought-provoking, whimsical and visually engaging.

Thompson said the opportunity to return to the international stage is both meaningful and historic for the program.

鈥淭o be invited back to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe for a second time is a tremendous honor for our students and Freed-Hardeman Theatre,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 especially meaningful knowing we are the only university affiliated with the churches of Christ represented at the festival. That distinction speaks to the dedication of our students and the quality of the work they are creating.鈥�

The cast includes 蘑菇TV students Levi Secula, Jenna Salvato, Madison Parker, Drew Bramblett, Rachel Graves and Natalie Barker.

Barker, a junior theatre education major, describes her character as 鈥渢he guide鈥� in the production.

鈥淪he sees things clearly but doesn鈥檛 always say it outright,鈥� Barker said. 鈥淪he helps the other characters come to the truth on their own, and that鈥檚 what makes her so important to the story.鈥�

Unlike traditional productions, "The Fabulist" gave students the rare opportunity to help shape the story from the ground up.

Barker added 鈥淎t its core, it鈥檚 about honesty, especially being honest with yourself, which can be the hardest thing to do. The stories we tell ourselves can start to fall apart, and this show really explores what happens in that moment.鈥�

The cast has spent months bringing the production to life. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a lot of work but also incredibly rewarding,鈥� Barker said.

That shared growth is something castmate Drew Bramblett, a fourth-year student double majoring in theatre and music, has especially appreciated throughout the process.

鈥淢y favorite moment during rehearsals has been seeing the growth of my fellow cast members embodying their characters with grace and talent,鈥� said Bramblett, who describes his character as the 鈥榝eral story element.鈥� 鈥淭hey want honesty and humbling truth. I want audiences to yearn to live their lives in transparent kindness and empathy after witnessing this production.鈥�

That message of truth and transformation will soon extend beyond Henderson, as "The Fabulist" has been selected to represent 蘑菇TV Theatre at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the world鈥檚 largest performing arts festival, in August 2026. Students will not only perform internationally, but they will also participate in the unique tradition of busking, promoting their show in the streets of Edinburgh.

鈥淲e鈥檝e heard from students who鈥檝e gone before us that it鈥檚 an unforgettable experience,鈥� Barker said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to think about sharing something we created with an international audience.鈥�

The cast and crew hopes local audiences will come out to support the production and connect with its message.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 a story people will find relevant,鈥� Barker said. 鈥淣o matter where you are in life, you can see yourself in it. It鈥檚 about finding guidance, even when things feel uncertain or dark.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鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist and doctoral degrees.