Spring Musical Cast Profile: Noah Finch, Tarrin Hoban, and Meredith Archer

by Noah King

FREDERICKSBURG, VA---The turtles are a pivotal part of Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo Jr., and STEPVA, the 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to “empowering people with disabilities, and their families, through creative expression and sensory exploration,” picked three more organization veterans to play the leaders of the pack. Noah Finch plays “Crush”, while Meredith Archer plays his wife, “Mrs. Crush”, and Tarrin Hoban plays their daughter, “Squirt”.

Noah Finch

Noah Finch

Finch says he is very familiar with Finding Nemo, the film that inspired the production.

“I like the scene with the boat,” Finch said, referring to the moment when Nemo and his classmates dare each other to touch Professor Sherman’s boat.

Finch was responsible for writing STEPVA’s very first spring musical, “A Special COVID-19 Musical”, which told the story of a man with a social anxiety disorder dealing with the 2020 quarantine. Four years later, he says he’s excited to surf the EAC (East Australian Current).

“I get to call people ‘dude’ and ‘dudette’,” Finch said.

So far, the only challenge Finch seems to be facing is memorizing his lines as Nigel the pelican, considering he has a dual role as Crush and Nigel. We’re sure he’s doing a great job though!

Meredith Archer

Archer has appeared in every spring musical experience STEPVA has performed so far. This year, she is excited to portray Crush’s wife.

“Being a ‘girl turtle’...is totally awesome,” Archer said.

Archer compared the EAC to surfing; something she is quite familiar with as a member of Surfers Healing Autism Camp, in Virginia Beach.

“It is so much fun,” Archer said.

Even though Archer finds “...singing and dancing with all the kids…” overwhelming, she has figured out a few methods to help her during the rehearsal process.

“I take deep breaths and try to be calm,” Archer said. “Sometimes I ask for a quiet place to not be overwhelmed.”

Tarrin Hoban

Hoban has appeared in all three of STEPVA’s licensed shows.

“I liked being in Charlie Brown & The Lion King,” Hoban said.

She is very familiar with Finding Nemo Jr.

“My favorite [part] is the fish underwater,” Hoban said.

Hoban will be playing Squirt, the daughter of the turtles named “Crush”.

“I like it,” Hoban said. “I’m a good dancer and a good singer. I love reading my lines so much.”

Grab some shell and surf the EAC with Noah Finch, Tarrin, Meredith, and the rest of the cast during STEPVA’s performances of Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo Jr. on Saturday, April 12th and Sunday, April 13th. Saturday’s performance will have ASL interpretation. For more information and to get tickets, please visit www.stepva.org 

 Color-printed programs and flowers for cast members are also available for advanced purchase, HERE.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

***STEPVA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities, and their families, through creative expression and sensory exploration.