Missouri State University theatre and dance alumna Madelynn Ayen has made her professional stage debut as a co-star in the production of “Little Miss Perfect.”

Currently, the show is running at the Olney Theatre in Olney, Maryland, through March 8. The musical is based off a song written by Joriah Kwamé and performed by Taylor Louderman. That performance became a viral TikTok hit in 2020.

A story about the musical, also written by Kwamé, appeared in the Feb. 6 issue of the Washington Post.

Ayen plays Malaya Cruz, an openly queer foreign exchange student from the Philippines. She meets Noelle Sanders, a teenager who also struggles to navigate today’s world while grappling with questions of sexual identity and religious guilt. The story revolves around their friendship and how each inspires the other to live freely and authentically.

Audiences should prepare to laugh, cry and enjoy some great music, Ayen said. “Some incredible people have put their entire hearts and souls into this story, so be open to receiving all it has to offer!”

A performer at age 4

Ayen is no stranger to the stage. From the age of 4, she has constantly been performing, whether in choir, plays and musicals, dances or speech and debate competitions.

The influence started early. Her parents met at Berklee College of Music and her siblings, cousins and grandparents are all performers or musicians in some manner.

The stage “was kind of in my blood,” Ayen admitted. “Anything that meant I could perform — it was my safe haven.”

Theatre and dance program excellent preparation

Ayen said that for the entire first month of rehearsals, the cast worked every day from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cast members also engaged in individual rehearsal sessions with the show’s writer, Joriah Kwame, and director, Zhailon Levingston. During those individual sessions, Ayen worked on developing character and practicing vocals.

“I’ve really done some intense work on character preparation, as I am originating a role for the first time,” she said.

Her training at Missouri State helped with the process, Ayen said. In particular, she recalled the instruction she received from Danielle Hardin, a per course instructor in the Department of Theatre and Dance.

“I didn’t really blossom as a singer until I met Danielle Hardin, who was my vocal teacher,” Ayen said. “I had a good voice, but Dani helped me grow as an artist and performer better than anyone I had ever met.”

Ayen also had high praise for Dr. Chris Herr and Artist-in-Residence Brandon Russell.

“The love and support and kindness I experienced from these teachers was something I don’t take for granted,” Ayen said. “It meant and still means everything to me how these teachers believed in me more than I believed in myself.”

Enjoying the moment, excited about the future

Ayen said the response to the musical has been overwhelming in a good way.

“Our first preview, there was a line of kids of all ages waiting to meet the cast expressing how much this story meant to them,” she said. “Every night since, there has been an outpour[ing] of love and gratitude.”

Several people have approached Ayen individually to express how much it meant to see them represented on stage.

“All my life, that has been what I wanted to do with my career,” Ayen said. “It is wonderful, and it means the world to me.”

Ayen is not sure where her career will go after she finishes “Little Miss Perfect.” That excites her more than it scares her.

“I never thought my debut would be this huge, but I am so grateful,” she mused “I just hope everyone who sees the show loves it. Whatever happens afterward is meant to happen. I am just so grateful to be on stage and to be telling a story that means so much to myself and others.”

Study theatre and dance @ MO State

Photos provided by Madelynn Ayen. Photographer: Teresa Castracane.