by Hannah Wages
FREDERICKSBURG, VA- STEP VA Inc., the local 501(c)3 nonprofit that “empowers people with disabilities, and their families, through creative expression and sensory exploration,” plans to put on yet another amazing, family-friendly musical for spring of 2024: “Seussical JR!” The cast is packed with new and old members of the program, such as Noah Finch as Horton and Kaitlyn Bach as Gertrude McFuzz.
No story would be complete without villains and their henchman, though. Mayzie LaBird is one of those bad guys and two of her sidekicks, the sassy Pink and Orange Bird Girls, are portrayed by Meredith Archer and Emily Rousseau, respectively. Both said that they enjoy performing.
Rousseau in particular said, “I auditioned specifically to be a dancer.”
She loves to dance, and now she gets to do it on stage. Out of all the characters in the play, Rousseau shared, “I really don't have a favorite, but I love being the Orange Bird Girl.”
When asked about aspects of the play such as the songs, Rousseau responded that her favorite is the opening number, “Oh, The Things You Can Think.” The most exciting parts of the show, and STEP VA in general, however, are the dancing, and getting to see and perform alongside her friends.
Rousseau is friends with every member of the cast, including fellow bird girl, Archer, who plays the Pink Bird Girl. When asked what she enjoys most about her role in “Seussical JR,” Archer replied that she likes it when she's singing and dancing, adding that her favorite thing about STEP VA is acting in the shows.
Archer also shared that memorizing her lines can be challenging, but it is a rewarding experience.
Both Rousseau and Archer have worked hard to bring Dr. Seuss' stories and characters come to life on stage. Come see Rousseau, Archer, and the rest of the cast perform in “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.