by Noah King
Fredericksburg, VA--The audience roars its approval as a flock of birds race out and surround Gertrude McFuzz. They begin dancing and singing about the beauty of how even a bird with a one-feather tail can turn into something extraordinary! Among the flock are Imani and Hannah Wages as the Green Bird Girl and Mayzie LaBird, respectively, showing off two colorful tails of their own.
Imani, like most of the cast, is familiar with the prospect of playing a part in Dr. Seuss’ world.
“[My favorite Dr. Seuss book is] ‘Hop on Pop’, and I like Gertrude McFuzz, Dr. Seuss, and Jojo,” Imani said.
She plays the Green Bird Girl, who serves as the leader of the bird flock in “Seussical Jr.,” STEP VA Inc.'s spring musical. STEP VA is the local 501(c)3 nonprofit that “empowers people with disabilities, and their families, through creative expression and sensory exploration,” and the show is taking place April 13 and 14 at Courtland High School.
“It’s a huge responsibility that I’m taking a leadership role, and I hope I don’t let anyone down,” Imani said. “Being in the pre-show and [“You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown!” as Peppermint Patty] probably helped me best prepare for this role.”
Imani also played another leader as Sarabi, the leader of the lion pride, in “Disney’s ‘The Lion King KIDS’” all the way back in 2022.
“I hope [the audience] learn[s] sign language and learns [other] lessons, such as not to overthink things and that anything is possible,” Imani said.
Though Hannah Wages will be playing Mayzie La Bird, her favorite Dr. Seuss' book is “The Cat in the Hat”.
“That’s the one I know the most about,” Wages said. “I hope to read all the [stories] Mayzie is in, since that’s who I’m playing.”
Wages, who previously played “Twin B/Little Redheaded Girl” in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” a year prior, is very excited to be in “Seussical Jr.”
“I didn’t know much about it at first, but I’ve come to like it, and I’m really excited to see how it turns out,” she said.
Wages also reiterated a lesson that has never gotten old in childrens’ literature; a meaningful one she hopes the audience will see as a huge takeaway.
“I hope the audience learns that…treating people with respect is a very simple and very true message,” she said. “I feel like so many stories kind of capture that theme.”
Come shake a tail feather with Imani, Hannah W., and the rest of the cast at Seussical JR. on Apr. 13th (6 pm) and 14th (3 pm) at Courtland High School. Tickets available HERE.
For more information about STEP VA visit www.stepva.org.
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STEP VA, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization that provides sensory-based theater and arts programs for individuals with disabilities. Its vision is to transform the world by offering each individual the opportunity to flourish in the community.