STEP VA Cast Spotlight: Jax Lunsford and Joshua Parson
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
by Rachel Crowley
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — This April, Courtland High School’s auditorium will once again transform into a fairy-tale world as STEP VA brings “Shrek the Musical JR.” to stage. STEP VA Inc. is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration. STEP VA’s choice of “Shrek the Musical JR.” also reflects the organization’s dedication to creating an inclusive, encouraging environment where every participant can shine.
The musical’s message is that everyone deserves acceptance and a community that values their strengths aligns naturally with the experience STEP VA strives to provide. As the cast prepares for the performance, they collaborate closely, share their talents, and build confidence together. This collective effort mirrors the heart of the story, showing how a supportive community can help each person grow, express themselves, and feel proud of who they are.
As the show unfolds, audiences will meet a lively cast of familiar fairy-tale characters. Among them are Joshua Parson, appearing as Peter Pan and a Duloc citizen, and Jax Lunsford, who portrays the Big Bad Wolf and joins the Duloc ensemble. With their roles introduced, the spotlight turns to the performers themselves, each bringing their own experiences, motivations, and excitement to this year’s production.
Jax joined the Spring Musical after enjoying past STEP VA productions and feeling energized when this year’s show was announced. He brings previous musical theater experience from STEP VA’s past shows, along with backstage work at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts. This season, Jax shared that he is especially excited to take on a larger role than in previous years.
Playing the Big Bad Wolf along with a Duloc Citizen gives him the chance to step into a more prominent character while also showcasing greater range than his previous work as Gill and a member of the Tank Gang in "Finding Nemo Jr." Managing two roles and two different costumes has been one of his biggest challenges this year, but also one of the most rewarding. He shares that taking on these characters allows him to explore roles that are different from what he has done before and even more fun. When asked about his favorite song in “Shrek the Musical JR.”, Jax shared that his favorite is “Freak Flag” because everyone is onstage together and it is a fun number to perform. Jax’s enthusiasm reflects his eagerness to continue growing as a performer and embracing new challenges onstage.
Joshua Parson joined the Spring Musical because of his love for the “Shrek” films and his excitement about bringing the story to life onstage. While he is new to STEP VA, he is not new to theater. He brings strong experience from SPARK Theatre and the Hurrah Players, including a memorable role in “A Christmas Carol.”
Although Joshua originally hoped to portray Shrek, he is thrilled to step into the magical world of the show as Peter Pan and a Duloc citizen.
He shared that taking on these roles has helped him develop on stage, saying, “It has helped me to develop my acting skills.”
When asked about his favorite moments in "Shrek the Musical Jr.", Joshua chose the high-energy song “I'm a Believer” and explained that his favorite scene is "where Peter Pan says, ‘we believe in you,’ to Shrek.”
Joshua also talked about the challenges of the rehearsal process, sharing that, “Learning the choreography initially,” was tough, “but I’m comfortable with it now.” His growth and confidence show how much dedication he has brought to production.
Outside of rehearsals, Joshua shared a few fun personal details: he has an Instagram account and is the son of Pastor Derrick Parson, a connection many in the community will recognize and appreciate.
Fly high, think happy thoughts, and stay forever young as Parson brings Peter Pan to life—then watch Lunsford prowl, growl, and howl as the Big Bad Wolf. Both performers will also march proudly into Duloc as loyal citizens in STEP VA’s production of “Shrek the Musical JR.” Performances are April 18 at 6 p.m. and April 19 at 3 p.m. in the Courtland High School auditorium.
Their energy, creativity, and commitment bring a whole new spark to this year’s fairy-tale adventure, making their performances a standout part of the show. Supporting STEP VA’s cast means celebrating the joy, talent, and hard work these performers pour into every moment onstage. Join the fun, cheer them on, and experience the magic they create together.
Tickets are available online at StepVA.org.
