Spring Musical Cast Spotlight: Joe Guyton and Raymond Nelson
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
by Rachel Crowley
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Once upon a time, there was an organization devoted to helping people with disabilities grow through creativity, sensory discovery, and the joy of artistic expression. That organization is STEP VA Inc., the local 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration. It is a community where imagination is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and every person gets the chance to shine.
This April’s Spring Musical Experience performances come with a playful twist that promises both charm and excitement for audiences as the organization brings “Shrek The Musical JR.” to the stage.
At the center of the story, the ogres themselves will switch roles from one day to the next, giving each show its own distinct personality. Joe Guyton and Raymond Nelson will alternate between the roles of Shrek and Papa Ogre. On Saturday, Raymond steps into Shrek’s swamp while Joe becomes Papa Ogre. On Sunday, they trade places, offering returning audiences a fresh dynamic and a reason to experience the production twice.
But the real magic stretches far beyond green makeup and costume changes. As the spotlight widens, it reveals two performers whose individual journeys, motivations, and creative instincts shape the emotional core of this year’s show. Their unique experiences bring depth and spirit to the stage, Joe Guyton joined the Spring Musical to continue being part of STEP VA’s annual tradition of plays, something that has been meaningful to him throughout his 11 years with the organization. Musical theater has played a key role in his life, and he has participated in many of STEP VA’s spring productions over the years. He was cast as the lead role of Tim Croakee in the original STEP VA Spring Musical, “A Special COVID-19,” written by Noah Finch in 2020 and brought to the stage in 2021. Joe hasn't missed a single musical since, having been cast as Pumbaa when STEP VA staged Disney's “The Lion King, Kids!” That was followed by Grandpa Snoopy in “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the Grinch in “Seussical Jr.” and one of the Bloat Brothers in Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo, Jr.”
This season, Joe shared that he is focused on personal growth and hopes to be “the best version of myself.” His longstanding involvement with STEP VA continues to shape his experience in this year’s show, and his dedication and history with the program make his role in this production especially meaningful.
When asked about his favorite moments in Shrek The Musical JR., Joe shared that he loves “Freak Flag” because of its energy and the message behind it. He also especially enjoys the “wedding scene,” since it is the moment where everything comes together onstage. Talking about the most challenging part of the show, Joe explained that “memorizing all his lines and some of the trickier lyrics” took some work.
Joe said he is “excited to play both Papa Ogre and Shrek, and he honestly feels the role fits him well.” He even jokes that he “looks a little like an ogre himself,” which just makes playing Shrek even more fun. Bringing such an iconic character to life has been a meaningful and enjoyable experience for him.
Raymond Nelson explained that he “loves Shrek” and was excited for the opportunity to be part of this year’s Spring Musical. He has participated in every STEP VA spring production so far, giving him a strong and steady connection to the organization’s shows.
Like Joe, Raymond was also a member of “A Special COVID-19” as Mario Longtooth, the news anchor that announces the COVID pandemic. The next year, Raymond played Mufasa in Disney's “The Lion King, Kids!” and followed that up with a turn as Schroeder in “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and the Mayor of Whoville in “Seussical Jr.” In last year's adaptation of Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.,” Raymond had three roles: that of Professor Ray, Anchor, one of the sharks, and as a member of the sea turtle floatilla.
He shared simply that he is “very excited about it,” and his continued involvement reflects just how much he enjoys being part of these performances.
This year, he explains that “he was auditioning for the role of Donkey” but will be playing the role of Papa Ogre on Sunday and Shrek on Saturday. His favorite moments are enjoying his favorite song “I’m a Believer,” and he especially “loves the scenes when he performs with Donkey.”
When asked about challenges, he explained that “nothing feels too difficult” because the cast “just keeps practicing until they get it right.” He added that he is “thrilled to be cast as Shrek for the Saturday show,” especially since “Shrek has long been one of his favorite characters.” His enthusiasm for the story and his long-standing involvement make him a strong and familiar presence in this year’s cast.
When the swamp comes to life this weekend in the Courtland High School Auditorium, it will be more than a musical event. It will be a celebration of the performers who bring Shrek’s world to life, layer by layer, just like an onion. STEP VA presents Shrek The Musical JR. on April 18 at 6 p.m. and April 19 at 3 p.m. Tickets are on sale now, so do not miss your chance to be part of the magic. Grab yours today and let your fairy tale journey into the swamp begin at STEPVA.org.
