STEP VA Cast Profile - Joel Ayo & Joey S.
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
by Brigid O'Leary
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA – The story of Shrek has entertained audiences of all ages for a quarter century now, and that's thanks in part to some iconic characters. Side characters from famous fairy tales and nursery rhymes make appearances throughout the story and in some cases have some scene-stealing lines. It's no different in the stage show, or in the shortened version, “Shrek the Musical JR.,” which local 501(c)3 nonprofit STEP VA is hosting this weekend on April 18 and 19.
STEP VA endeavors to “empower people with disabilities through creative expression and sensory exploration.”
Gingy, the Gingerbread Man, has some of the most memorable lines of the show, and with Joel Ayo in the role, the delivery is sure to be spot-on. He will be performing for the audience in only his second stage role, after a couple of years in the wings. Ayo served on the Tech Crew for both “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and “Seussical Jr.” but stepped into the spotlight last year as the Barracuda in Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.”
He auditioned this year primarily due to the source material.
“I like Shrek,” he said, simply, when asked what made him want to be part of the show this year.
Like many others, Ayo is in it for the whole experience, and has been looking forward to two things this season: “Being seen by lots of people and dancing in a group with friends,” he said, adding that “I’m good at dancing.”
His favorite song is “Freak Flag,” and his favorite scene is his big one, between his character and Lord Farquaad. It comes with some of the most recognizable dialogue from the show, and while Ayo admits it's proving challenging—especially remembering all of his lines—he's ready for it.
I’m feeling great. I hope it’s really funny,” he said.
Joining Ayo on stage in a well-loved role is Joey S., playing Pinocchio. And just like Ayo, it's not his first time on the stage. Joey has been part of the Spring Musical Experience since the first licensed musical that STEP VA hosted, Disney's “The Lion King, Kids!,” where he played a dancing antelope in the animal chorus. He was part of the Peanuts Gang in “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” and pulled double duty as the villain Vlad Vladikov, as well as one of the Wickersham Brothers in “Seussical Jr.” Last year, he played the seahorse Sheldon's father last year in Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.”
So when asked what brought him back to the musical this year, Joey's response was pragmatic.
“I am usually part of the spring musical,” he said
With years of experience under his belt, he's found “Shrek the Musical JR” to be a fairly easy experience, and doesn't report any challenges. He attributes much of that to STEP VA itself.
“Being in a STEP VA musical is no challenge at all,” he added. “In fact I’ve been in at least four.”
Like most of his cast mates, going into the season, Joey was most looking forward to the camaraderie of the Spring Musical Experience and just “being with everyone” for the show.
Unlike the vast majority of the rest of the cast, however, Joey is one of the few who is enjoying all the music in the show and can't pick a favorite song.
“I like all of them,” he explained.
Come out and see if you have a favorite or if you enjoy all the songs in “Shrek the Musical Jr.” as staged by STEP VA Inc, April 18 (6 p.m.) and April 19 (3 p.m.) at Courtland High School.
Tickets on sale now at www.stepva.org
