FREDERICKSBURG, VA—Select cast members of STEP VA Inc.’s spring musical, “Seussical Jr.,” as well as the group’s All Abilities Choir performed before the Virginia Commission for the Arts (VCA) on Wednesday, March 13. The VCA is the state agency dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. It supports the arts through funding from the Virginia General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts. Jan Monroe, executive director of STEP VA, the local 501(c)3 nonprofit that “empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration,” serves as vice chair of the VCA.
The quarterly VCA board meeting was being held on the campus of the University of Mary Washington, and the All Abilities Choir was invited to perform, along with a few “Seussical” leads. Initially, the plan was to have the show leads perform a couple of duets from the show, but when organizers realized most of the available choir members were also cast members, a decision was made to perform pieces with more members, including the opening number, “Oh the Thinks You Can Think.” The cast performance was followed by the choir, singing its signature song, “This is Me,” (from “The Greatest Showman”) and a song they have been working on for the current performance season.
The performances took place in the courtyard of the Jepson Alumni Executive Center.
“The Virginia Commission for the Arts is dedicated to investing in the arts of Virginia. These investments fuel economic vitality, improve quality of life, and engage active citizens. STEP VA and its leadership in … VCA Commissioner Jan Monroe, exemplifies this, with performances by the all-abilities artists showcasing the importance of the arts for all who call Virginia home!” said Margaret Hancock, VCA executive director, after the performance.
Another Seussical Jr. “sneak peek” and choir performance will take place at Spotsylvania Towne Center on the stage by the food court on Sunday, March 24 at 3 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public.
STEP VA’s presentation of Seussical Jr. will take place at Courtland High school on April 13 at 6 p.m., and on April 14 at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE.
For more information or to donate to the organization, visit www.stepva.org.