The Fayette Area Community Theater (FACT) will debut an original musical this weekend. “Oakwood, the Musical” was written by Janet and Bridget Hussey. It will be performed at Tricky Fish Community Hall on South Main Street in Fayette this weekend.

“Oakwood” revolves around the historic Oakwood Mansion in Fayette in the 1850s. The musical brings to life the experiences of the many children who resided in and around the largest house in Howard County. 

“Oakwood has a special place in my heart,” said director and author Bridget Hussey. “Twenty-five years ago, my mother, Janet Hussey, was asked to write a script based on the book, ‘A Big Brick House,’ by Ada Claire Darby. We worked together to come up with this script. She wanted to make sure the whole family could be in it, so special parts were written for my children, who were only one and three at the time.”

The current version of the musical has been rewritten to make it more universal but maintains the highlights of the Oakwood Mansion. The antebellum home, owned by Judge Abiel Leonard in the 1800s, still stands today and keeps Howard County’s history alive. This production is part of Fayette’s yearlong Bicentennial Celebration.

“Oakwood, the Musical” begins at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 2, and Friday, November 3, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 4. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students, and $1 for children aged three and under. Tickets will not be available at the door but are available for advance purchase at BTC Bank, Commercial Trust Bank, and Exchange Bank in Fayette during regular business hours.