STEP VA Cast Spotlight: Nancy Street & Tarrin Hoban
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
by Imani Madeam & Brigid O'Leary
FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA—Families are important to STEP VA Inc., so much so that a few years ago, the local 501(c)3 nonprofit added families to the mission statement. It now “empowers people with disabilities and their families through creative expression and sensory exploration.” So it's no surprise that the Spring Musical Experience creative team picks stories with positive depictions of families—and casts them accordingly. This year, as the organization brings “Shrek the Musical JR.” to the stage, the audience will be charmed by two different families, led by a single matriarch (in two roles).
Nancy Street is excited to take the stage for her second Spring Musical Experience with STEPVA Inc., portraying both Mama Ogre and Mama Bear in “Shrek the Musical JR.”
She stated that she was “excited, because it's really fun and 'Shrek the Musical' is my favorite.”
Her theater experience includes playing Dory in her first appearance with STEP VA's adaptation of Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.” in 2025, and a role in “Little Shop of Horrors” during her high school years.
During a recent cast interview she said “it is totally unexpected that I got two roles for Shrek Jr. this year as Mama Ogre and Mama Bear.” Reflecting on her first role as Dory last year, she added that “this is the big step for me to take a challenge as a parent for Young Shrek and Baby Bear.”
She shares that what she likes about playing two moms is the relationship between a mother and her son and a mother and her daughter.
Nancy describes bringing these characters to life and letting the audience know about the mother - son and daughter's relationship throughout the musical.
When asked about what she was looking forward to the most about being in the show, she shared “I'm just excited for how we're going to put the show together and I can't wait for everyone to see the performance.”
She also stated her greatest joy: “I really enjoy singing, dancing, and acting with my friends onstage.” She explained that these are the aspects of rehearsals she enjoys the most, and that is the reason why she came back the second time to share her talents with the community. Nancy's favorite song in “Shrek the Musical JR” is “Freak Flag,” and her favorite part is the relationship bond between mother and daughter because “it is really fun to do.”
When asked about the challenges of the rehearsals she explains, “remembering lines and remembering lines in the songs.” But, despite Nancy's roles being connected, she mentioned the costume changes could be challenging.
“Changing into one costume to another is difficult,” she said.
However, there's no costume change involved for Baby Bear.
Tarrin Hoban is a STEP VA musical veteran, having been involved since the organization hosted Disney's “The Lion King, Kids!,” where she played the role of a Dancing Zebra. She was also in “You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” playing Snoopy's sister Belle; in “Seussical Jr.,” as a Kangaroo Twin; and playing the young sea turtle, Squirt, in Disney/Pixar's “Finding Nemo Jr.” Taking on the role of a Baby Bear in “Shrek the Musical Jr.” isn't much of a stretch for her.
For Hoban, returning to the Spring Musical Experience was an easy choice, both because of the show that was chosen and the opportunity it offers. She wanted to be in the show this year, she said because “I like Shrek and I want to be a dancer. ” At the start of the season, that was what she was most excited about for the show, the chance “to dance and be with everybody.”
With the show just days away, Hoban can't wait for it to all come together and indicated she's looking forward to “being on stage, do my dancing, do my lines, do my acting.”
Hoban, who has an infectious smile and bubbly personality is also confident.
“I like myself. I'm beautiful,” she said, adding that she also likes taking a bow at the end of the show. “I love to bow!”
She has said that her favorite super power is “being strong,” which, along with confidence are good character traits for Baby Bear to have as she dons her ears and tail.
Come see how Nancy bonds with both of her on-stage kids, and join the applause when Hoban—as Baby Bear—and the rest of the cast take their bows at STEP VA's version of “Shrek the Musical JR” on April 18 (6 p.m.) and April 19 (3 p.m.) at Courtland High School.
Tickets available at www.stepva.org.
