STEP VA Cast Spotlight: I.H. and Noah Gentry

by Brigid O'Leary and Warrick Couture

FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA—Once upon a time, there was an organization that “empowered people with disabilities through sensory exploration and artistic expression” that went by the name of STEP VA – in fact, it's still around today. And they're taking on a new territory for this year's spring musical; the swampy yet magical world of “Shrek the Musical JR,” which will be on the stage in April. Helping to turn the page on this story are returning members I.H and Noah Gentry, who will play the Squire and the Squire's Assistant, respectively.

“Shrek the Musical JR” will be the fifth time I.H. treads the boards for the STEP VA Spring Musical Experience. He was one of the hyenas when the organization staged Disney's “The Lion King, Kids!” in 2023, and went on to play Snoopy's brother in “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” He was half of the Thing One/Thing Two pair in “Seussical Jr.” and Kai the Turtle last year in Disney's “Finding Nemo, Jr.” His acting prowess isn't limited to STEP VA, either, as I.H. also did some acting in high school, having been part of his school's productions of “The Wizard of Oz” and “Trapp.”

With that kind of experience under his belt, “Shrek the Musical JR” is proving to be a plate of waffles for I.H., who reports that he hasn't found rehearsals particularly challenging. Rather, he's just enjoying the time with his friends, which is what he has been looking forward to since auditions. It's what brings him back every year.

“I like to show my acting skills and hang out with my friends,” he said in an interview before rehearsals began.

Noah Gentry: Young Shrek and Squire's Assistant

One of those friends is Gentry, who joins him in several scenes as I.H.'s assistant, and who is starting to build an actor's resume that will rival I.H.'s before too long. Himself from a family of performers—his older siblings are all involved in the performance arts, several of them [former] theater kids—Gentry has been involved with the STEP VA Spring Musical Experience since 2024 when he and his sister, Hannah, first joined the Kids Ensemble. Last year, Gentry stepped into the main cast, playing one of the fish friends in Disney's “Finding Nemo, Jr.”

And this year, his role has expanded significantly. Not only is Gentry playing the roles of the Squire's Assistant, he is also cast as the young ogre, which represents a younger Shrek.

“I like having two roles,” Gentry said, when asked about the responsibility of playing two parts.

Gentry is “excited about being on stage,” though the Spiderman fan does admit that, “Sometimes I get a little bit nervous.”

The Spring Musical Experience isn't complete without the music element and “Shrek the Musical JR” doesn't disappoint. Cast members' favorite picks are as diverse as they are: I.H. is one of those who loves “Freak Flag,” while Gentry enjoys both “Big Bright Beautiful World” and “Believer.”

Come see which song is your favorite, at STEP VA's staging of “Shrek the Musical JR,” being held at Courtland High School on April 18 at 6 p.m. and April 19 at 3 p.m.

Tickets on sale now at STEPVA.org.