The Old State House Museum in Little Rock will bring a dramatic chapter of Arkansas history to life with 2 FREE performances of the original musical “Helaine & the Little War” on Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22, 2026, at 3 PM each day.
Admission is FREE, but advance reservations are required. Reserve free tickets at https://tinyurl.com/HelainePlay.
Set against the backdrop of Arkansas’ historic 1874 Brooks-Baxter War, the musical explores the political turmoil, uncertainty and social upheaval of Reconstruction through the experiences of people struggling to find their place in a rapidly changing society.
At the center of the story is Helaine, a formerly enslaved woman whose Little Rock tavern becomes a gathering place for people confronting questions of freedom, identity, equality and opportunity.
As political tensions surrounding the Arkansas governorship intensify, the characters’ personal struggles and hopes unfold alongside events that would help shape the future of the state.
Through powerful storytelling, original music and dramatic performances, “Helaine & the Little War” offers audiences a human perspective on 1 of the most turbulent periods in Arkansas history.
Arkansas Performer Stars in Leading Role
Acclaimed Arkansas mezzo-soprano Satia Spencer will star in the title role of Helaine.
Known for her dynamic vocal range and stage presence, Spencer will lead a talented cast supported by live musical accompaniment.
The production will be presented in 2 acts, featuring period costumes and live music designed to transport audiences to Little Rock during the Reconstruction era.
Arkansas Writers and Musicians Created the Production
The musical features a script by David J. Eshelman, playwright, professor at Arkansas Tech University and founder of Arkansas Radio Theatre.
Music and lyrics were written by Charley Sandage and the late Charlie T. Crow.
Sandage is an Arkansas songwriter, musician and historian who received the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arkansas Arts Council.
Crow was a songwriter, founder of the Central Arkansas Chapter of the Nashville Songwriters Association International and a former cabinet member under 2 Arkansas governors.
Together, the creators developed a musical that combines Arkansas history, compelling characters and original songs.
Musical Has Been Years in Development
“Helaine & the Little War” has undergone several stages of development leading up to the upcoming performances.
The project was featured in a workshop during TheatreSquared’s New Play Festival in Fayetteville, Arkansas, in 2016.
Additional public readings were held at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas in Pine Bluff and the Old State House Museum in Little Rock in 2018.
The November 2026 performances will give audiences an opportunity to experience the musical as a staged, 2-act production with period costumes and live music.
Historic Arkansas Setting
The Brooks-Baxter War of 1874 was a violent political confrontation involving competing claims to the Arkansas governorship.
The conflict between Joseph Brooks and Elisha Baxter unfolded during Reconstruction and reflected the intense political and social divisions facing Arkansas following the Civil War.
By focusing on the experiences of Helaine and the people who gather at her tavern, the musical explores how those larger political events affected everyday lives.
The Old State House Museum provides a particularly meaningful setting for the production because the historic building itself played a central role during the Brooks-Baxter War.
Free Admission, Reservations Required
The Old State House Museum invites Arkansas residents and visitors to experience this original production exploring the state’s history through music and theater.
Both performances are FREE, but reservations are required.
EVENT INFORMATION
Event: Helaine & the Little War
Location: Old State House Museum, 300 West Markham Street, Little Rock, Arkansas
Dates: Saturday, November 21, 2026, and Sunday, November 22, 2026
Time: 3 PM each day
Admission: FREE, reservations required
Featured Performer: Satia Spencer as Helaine
Script: David J. Eshelman
Music and Lyrics: Charley Sandage and Charlie T. Crow
Reserve Free Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/HelainePlay
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