Fredericksburg, Virginia—it wouldn't be a family show without show families, and there are many in STEP VA Inc.'s version of “Seussical, Jr.” In addition to the Wickersham Brothers, the Jungle of Nool is also home to a family of Sour kangaroos. That family includes young kangaroo twins played by Tarrin Hoban and Joanna.
Joanna is no stranger to STEP VA, the local 501(c)3 nonprofit that “empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration.” She's been attending summer sessions since 2017 and this year, she was ready to make the bigger commitment and give her first musical a try.
Though Joanna's favorite Dr. Seuss book—“Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?”—isn't featured in the show, she's finding new aspects of Theodore Geisel's work to appreciate. Her favorite song in the show is the opening number, “Oh the Thinks You Can Think,” but she says the best thing about the weekly rehearsals is “making new friends at STEP VA.”
As for the role of the Young Kangaroo Twin, Joanna is having a blast with it, particularly enjoying “acting feisty with [her] twin,” Hoban.
Hoban's a STEP VA musical veteran, having been involved since Disney's “The Lion King, Kids!” in 2022. Taking on the role of a Young Kangaroo Twin isn't too much a stretch for her, as she pointed out that “I was playing animal characters and dancing” in both the previous shows, playing a zebra in “The Lion King, Kids!” and Snoopy's sister Belle in last year's “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” But that's what keeps her coming back.
“I love dancing so I like to be in the STEP VA musical,” Hoban explained. “My favorite song is “Biggest Blame Fool in the Jungle of Nool” because I am a good dancer.”
Few would argue with that self-assessment.
Hoban, whose favorite Dr. Seuss book is “Green Eggs and Ham,” is once again looking forward to the spring musical experience as a whole.
“I’m excited about being on the big stage!” she said.
Hop on over to Courtland High school on April 13 at 6 p.m., and April 14 at 3 p.m., to see the Sour Kangaroo Twins dance their hearts out.
Tickets on sale now. CLICK HERE to purchase.
For more information or to donate to the organization, 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.