By Jefferson Jay

In 2014, I was summoned to the office at a day center for adults with disabilities, where I was a music therapist. They offered me the opportunity to write and direct the holiday musical. I accepted instantly and The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit (then known as The Hunt for the Great Christmas Tree) was born. A short time later, I held auditions and an unfamiliar face answered the casting call. This was the first time I met Anthony Whiteford.

Anthony Whiteford: A Star Is Born

In my few months working at St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon, California, I had gotten to know many of the colorful characters around campus personally. It was rare to meet someone I didn’t recognize. Anthony was quiet and introspective, so that part made sense. He was also very talented and earned himself the role of Kid 4, even though he had never acted in a play.

Anthony Whiteford (front and right of center) sings at the mic as Kid 4 in the 2014 production of The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit.

Anthony brought a workman-like approach to rehearsals, always well-prepared and pleasant. He was naturally funny, completely respectful, and kind. He memorized his lines quickly. When the performance day arrived, Anthony excelled. He even captured the attention of the director of a local theater group, and was invited to audition for another show.

Anthony earned himself a role in Shrek: The Musical, starring an inclusive cast. The leading role! He was Shrek! Apparently, others saw the same thing I did: Anthony is a gifted actor.

Anthony Whiteford plays the titular character in Shrek: The Musical (2015).

I went to that show. Anthony was an awesome Shrek. He had tons of lines and authored an entirely excellent performance. I was so proud of him and humbled to be part of his journey. I was eager to work with him again as soon as possible.

The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit alumni Anthony Whiteford (right) as Shrek and Bryce Johnson (left) as Donkey.

States Apart, Heads Together

Anthony appeared in all four The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit episodes that I directed, and was the quintessential Kid 4. When we adapted our plays into an animated series, I hoped to add Anthony to our cast as a voice actor, but he had moved, years back, to Ohio. I did what I could to stay in touch with his dad Paul for years.

When I reconnected with them in February 2022, Anthony and his family had moved again, this time to West Virginia. In a touching story slated for an upcoming blog, we were blessed to find Big River Records, a very special recording studio in West Virginia.

Anthony reprised the role of Kid 4, and was again professional and excellent. We here at The Hunt for the Holiday Spirit are beyond thrilled to have Anthony and The Whiteford Family as partners on the path to full inclusion.

Anthony Whiteford (right) as Kid 4 and Bryce Johnson (left) as The Great Christmas Tree.