MEET THE CAST

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Xander Allred - Les (7th Grade)

Xander is a fun boy with four younger siblings. He likes to sing and act and take care of his siblings. Xander has been in one other musical as a main character. He is very intuitive with school and like to make jokes. Xander is in 7th grade and enjoys being a part of activities and socializing with others. Xander's favorite thing are video games and spending time with his family and calm activities.

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Eliza Bahr - Newsie 9 (8th Grade)

Eliza has been at Maeser for two years now, and she started doing drama productions because of her older sister, Harmony. She has been in a couple of plays, including Puffs, The Lost Boy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and a couple of scenes from Shakespeare plays, including Macbeth, Merchant of Venice, and King John. While not practicing for Newsies, Eliza likes to try new gymnastic tricks, read romance while cuddling with her cats, rollerblade, or hang out with friends.

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Kimberly Beadle - Newsie 16 (Freshman)

Kim Beadle is thrilled to in Maeser's production of Newsies! Though this is her first production at Maeser, Kim has had a passion for singing and acting from a young age. Some of her favorite past roles include Ms. Turkey (Honk! Jr.), Shenzi (The Lion King ), and performances in Schoolhouse Rock and many theater classes. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with such a talented cast and crew, and she hopes you enjoy the show as much as she’s enjoyed being part of it.

 

Sam Cole - Crutchie (Senior)

Sam is a senior at Maeser, and is both Crutchie and has been involved in set design, set production and lighting in this production of Newsies. This is 9th production at Maeser, and the 13th production in the Utah county area. Which included 6 years of Scera Youth theater. Some of his productions are: Shrek the musical (Shrek), Alice in wonderland, Beauty and the Beast, The lLttle Mermaid, The Phantom Tollbooth, The Lost Boys, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat where he was the set lead. He has loved theater since he was a little kid watching his older siblings perform and supporting them. He enjoys helping with whatever he can. 

 

Charlie Cotton - Newsie 7 (Sophomore)

Charlie Cotton is a student, actor, yearbook team member, and robotics programmer. He has played many roles during his time at Maeser including Baby Bear (The Adventures of Rose Red), Swindler (Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch), Jabez Stone (The Devil and Daniel Webster). Michael (Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious in Broadway Rocks), Old Lady (On My Way in Broadway Rocks), Ursolo (Much Ado About Nothing), and Babbs (Charley's Aunt) among other roles. In between working on yearbook spreads, cramming lines, and frantically coding a robot, he spends time learning math or doing even more programming for fun. 

 

Cayelle Crafts - Newsie 5 (Junior)

Cayelle Crafts discovered her theatrical passion four years ago, delivering standout performances as Xavia and Hannah in "Puffs," the Duchess in "Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch," and Helena in "MS Shakespeare." Far from just an actor, Cayelle juggles roles as Student Council Vice President, Print Comm Events Editor, tennis doubles player (where her game is as strategic as her acting choices), and multi-instrumentalist with remarkable poise. During rare moments of downtime, she cherishes meaningful connections—whether over a delicious meal, thought-provoking film, or spontaneous adventure. Cayelle extends heartfelt appreciation to her family and friends - her personal backstage crew- whose unwavering support throughout this production transformed a challenging journey into an extraordinary one. 

 

Claire Davies - Medda Larkin and Newsie 18 (Junior)

Claire Davies is a junior at Maeser, and is so excited about Newsies. Claire has participated in theater for over ten years, and absolutely loves it. She has been at Maeser for two years now, and has been a part of Maeser's drama program from the get-go. Claire loves theater and participates in plays, musicals, theater competitions, and classes. Some of her previous roles include: Annie (Annie), Aunt Spiker (James and the Giant Peach), Leanne (Puffs), Judah (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat), and Maureen (The Lost Boy). When Claire isn't either at rehearsal or doing homework, she loves watching movies with her family and spending time with her friends. 

 

Owen Day - NY Ensemble 2 (Junior)

Owen Day loves to sing! Problematically, this talent only shines in the shower, which is why he was cast as non-singing characters only. While backstage, you can expect him to be listening to the beautiful songs onstage, hoping someday he will sing like them, in spite of his better judgement. Although he doesn’t perform well for musicals, Owen adores acting in plays and scenes. He finds that portraying characters truthfully can help audiences feel seen and loved, which is why Owen has continued to do theater since middle school, and will continue throughout high school. Maeser has helped shape Owen into who he is, and he is excited to give back to the world in Newsies!

 

Ben Decker - Davey (Senior)

Den Becker, as he is most auspiciously known, has been at Maeser since 7th grade, taking multiple acting classes both through school and local theaters. He is most proficient in dance, having taken Irish, Hip-Hop, and currently Clogging (wish him luck at nationals this weekend!), but also loves singing in Show Choir (for his fourth year in a row) and acting at the Shakespeare Festival. He's gonna miss Maeser dearly despite the heck-ton of stress this iconic school has given him. He'd like to thank all his deranged, exhausted, and incredibly patient friends for putting up with his irresistible sexiness, and he'd like to thank his siblings and his dog for being the quite possibly the only reasons he is still alive today. 

 

Mariah Draper - NY Ensemble 4 (Sophomore)

Mariah has long loved the stage, and is thrilled to be a part of this production. She has performed many roles with Backyard Children's Theater, including Ariel in The Little Mermaid Jr. Other favorite roles include Belle in Descendants and Megan in Puffs. When she isn’t harassing the newsies of New York, Mariah enjoys reading Brandon Sanderson books, crocheting, and competing with the swim team.

 

Aliese Estes - Newsie 12 (Senior)

Aliese Estes loves performing and has since the day she was born. Starting when she was four, she has participated in a wide range of performing arts including but not limited to 7 types of dance and 5 plays/musicals. Her favorite roles include Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast), Sarah (Elf Jr.), Narrator 1&2 (Aladdin Jr.), and Ella (BYU Broadway Bootcamp's Cinderella). She would like to thank her family especially her parents for all the support and love they have freely given. She would also like to thank her friends (maybe:), teachers and coaches for all their help. Some fun facts about Aliese are that she loves chocolate and being goofy, despises heat, and loves living on 2.2 acres with a dog, two cats, many chickens, two cows and a huge garden.  Enjoy the Show!

 

Persephone Fosse - NY Ensemble 7 (7th Grade)

Persephone Fosse is a seventh grader at Maeser. Even though this is Persephone's first year going to Maeser as a student, she has been a Maeser kid all her life, whether it was attending proms as a toddler or going to Winterim as a child. As a child she went to a Harry Potter themed drama camp and played the role of Dobby the House Elf. Her other acting roles include but are not limited to: Flight Attendant #1 (Disney World Tour), School of Fish/Fox (Little Mermaid), Sister Mary Patrick (Sister Act), Viking Warrior (Macbeth), and DJ Minnie-Sota (Mock Trial). When she isn’t swamped with schoolwork, Persephone enjoys taking time to cuddle with her two sphinx cats, Jackal and Ghost.

 

Sydney Goodrich - Katherine Plumber (Sophomore)

Sydney Goodrich has been doing theater since she was 8 years old. She found her love for theater during her first show, Sleeping Beauty (bunny). After that, she has been in at least one show per year, spanning from Frozen (Anna) and Aladdin (Genie) to Mean Girls (Featured dancer) and Cinderella (Cinderella). Some of her favorites have been Beauty and the Beast (LeFou), Seussical (JoJo), and Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat (Narrator). Sydney is also currently participating in the Maeser choir and American Heritage choir. When she is not in a show, she hangs out with friends and does more singing. Sydney is forever grateful to her fantastic mom for putting up with her shenanigans.

 

Dallin Gulledge - Newsie 13 (Junior)

You could say that Dallin Gulledge "dabbles" in drama. Freshman year, a friend convinced him to do middle school Shakespeare, and he scored a duo role with another friend, performing King John, act 4 scene 1. They ended up winning second place in monos and duos, due to a time deduction. That same year, he played the villainous role of Noble Hart in "Shakespeare goes to Gravel Gulch," a super fun melodrama. He's done Broadway Rocks three years in a row, one of them actually being King of New York from Newsies. In his free time, he likes running Cross Country and Track, and not showing up for Newsies rehearsal when he really should. 

 

Emma Hacker - NY Ensemble 6 (Sophomore)

Emma Hacker has been in acting for as long as she can remember. Along with acting, Emma thoroughly enjoys playing the violin, tennis, and learning at school. Emma has done most of her acting through The Scera. Some of Emma's most fun roles in acting has included, Dragon (Shrek the Musical), Teen Fiona/Ugly Duckling (Shrek the Musical), Wendy Darling (Peter Pans Greatest Adventure), Narrator/ensemble (Beauty and the Beast), Goldilocks (The Adventures of Rose Red), and Angel/ensemble (Best Christmas Pageant ever). Now Emma enjoys preforming Newsies on stage! When Emma is not acting, playing violin, or doing drills for tennis, she loves to play games and spend time with her friends and family. 

 

Oliver Hacker - Les (7th Grade)

Oliver Hacker is a 7th grade student at Karl G. Maeser Preparatory Academy. Some of his hobbies are playing tennis, practicing piano, and playing video games. He has participated in three dramatic events: "Peter Pan" "What Makes A Story", and "Broadway Rocks". Newsies is Oliver's first musical, and he would like to thank Miss Hill and Ms. Shields for putting this amazing opportunity together. 

 

Viola Hood - NY Ensemble 8 (9th Grade)

Viola Hood has been in plays since age ten and wants to be in more. She was in Lincoln academy but transferred her this year so she could learn more about musical theater. She enjoys spending time with her tortoise, hanging out with friends, and spending quality time with her family. She thanks her family, her friend group at Maeser, her friend group outside of Maeser, and Ms. Hill for being so awesome and so patient with her.

 

Lyla Jackson - Newsie 4 (Sophomore)

Lyla Jackson has been a theater kid her whole life. She has been singing and dancing for as long as she remembers and started doing theater 8 years ago with Seussical. Favorite acting credits include Cruella De Vil (101 Dalmations), French Narrator (Spongebob), Sharpay Evans (High School Musical), Margaret of Anjou (Monologue, MS Shakespeare), Lucy Fer/Scratch/The Devil (The Devil and Daniel Webster), and Mary/Tink (The Lost Boy). 

 

Nick Jackson - Newsie 6 (Freshman)

When Nick was around 6-7 years old his sister Lyla did a production of Seussical. He loved the production and wanted to join her onstage. The next play they did at the Lehi Arts Center was Pirates Past Noon, a play adaptation of the Magic Treehouse series. He continued to do theater playing the roles of Roger in 101 Dalmatians, Thomas O’Malley in Aristocats, and Jafar in Aladdin. He took a break from theater for a while, returning in 2022 for The Little Mermaid. The next play he did was Spongebob, where he played Patrick, his favorite role he’s played. He was in Footloose, Legally Blonde, High School Musical, Finding Nemo and Alice in Wonderland before he started Newsies here at Maeser. 
 

Maverick Jarman - Crutchie (Senior)

Maverick Jarman has been participating in drama at Maeser since 7th grade, and is excited to perform in newsies as his final production before he graduates. He has performed in two other Maeser musicals before Newsies, Romeo and Juliet love is a battlefield (ensemble) and Xanadu (Urania). He wants to thank Ms. Hill for helping the Maeser drama department get organized this year, and for supporting the students through production and competition. 

 

Lucy Javid - Medda Larking and Newsie 18 (Sophomore)

Lucy is SO excited to be playing Bet/Medda in this show-it's been such a blast! Some of her previous shows she's been in include Frozen Jr. at The Ruth, Moana Jr. at Lakeridge, and A Christmas Carol, Camp Rock, and Pure Imagination at HCTO. When she's not on stage, Lucy loves skiing, walking by Utah Lake, and listening to music way too loud. This summer she's heading to the Philippines on an HXP humanitarian trip and is super excited to serve. Thanks to everyone who helped make this show so fun— enjoy!

 

Ivy Jensen - Newsie 11 (Junior)

Ivy Jensen is awesome. She has a sister named Lindsey who recently performed in Alice in Wonderland, Jr. She has a brother, Adam, who won second at Region Drama for his Humorous Monologue. Ivy considers herself the less talented of the three, with having only participated in a few plays and musicals throughout her acting career. Ivy's favorite role she's ever played was Little Miss Muffet in the middle school play. Since then, she has recieved a relatively solid type cast, playing Sally Perks (Puffs), Corrie (Barefoot in the Park), and random roles she was given in Socratic. Ivy aspires to one day become her type cast, and works hard to make that dream her reality.

 

Susanna Johnson - Katherine Plumber (Junior)

Susanna has participated in multiple productions at Maeser, and she loves being able to perform and make new friends in theater. She has also enjoyed taking part in musical theater summer camps, and is always seeking out new opportunities to sing and perform. Some of her favorite roles have been Maxene (Xanadu), Mrs. Potts (Beauty and the Beast Jr), and featured ensemble in Savior of the World at the Conference Center. Other than theater, she is learning violin and piano, and loves expressing herself through music. On most days you will catch her hanging out with her cats or spending time with her friends. She would like to especially thank her family for their constant support, and encouragement to reach for the stars.

 

Jacob Keller - Joseph Pulitzer and NY Ensemble 3 (Senior)

Jacob has been in the Maeser Drama game since 7th grade. He has always loved performing and connecting with audiences. He is certifiably goofy, and has been described by his friends as "a real one." Some of Jacob's hobbies include blackmailing Jack Kelley, raising the price of newspapers, sending the police after Newsie union members, and playing the guitar. Jacob is NOT a lizard man in a human skin suit. He is well known for this fact. You may notice his nose looks a little off. Do not read into this. It is simply a byproduct of playing the role of Voldemort (Puffs) last year.

 

Annie Kotter - Newsie 10 (7th Grade)

Annie loves the outdoors, food, sleep, animals, water, family, and most important acting. She loves being in plays and hanging out with the casts. Though she has little experience she loves it. She is the youngest of 4 kids 3 brothers and no sisters besides her. Her mom teaches piano and works with Opera By Children. Her dad died when she was 11. She loves to travel though she doesn't often. She loves to clog with her friends and watch others perform too. She is very bright and energetic. Special thanks to my mom for supporting me throughout the practices getting there on time. 

 

Adam McFarland - Davey (Junior)

Adam's first show was performing as Tom Sawyer in his schools fifth grade production of the Adventures of Tom Sawyer. He recently got into singing in his high school career and has loved singing ever since! He performed in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat as Issachar. He is a part of two different choirs and is looking to join another this coming year! He is a part of the Maeser Show Choir and he loves to sing in the Heritage Youth Chorus. All Adam has to say is "Thanks mom and dad for getting me to where I'm at today. If it weren't for you guys, I never would've found my love for expressing my feelings in drama and music! Love you guys!!!!!"

 

Enoch Mefford - NY Ensemble 1 (Junior)

Enoch Mefford is a Junior at Maeser, and has been participating in Maeser Drama for nearly 5 years, including roles such as Oliver in Puffs, Raspy in Shakespeare Goes to Gravel Gulch, and the Frog in The Adventures of Rose Red. Enoch has also heavily participated in the competitive scene of Maeser Drama, with more than 4 years of Maeser Shakespeare under his belt, and 2 years at the Region/State drama competition. Enoch would like to pay homage to an incredible mentor he had in this journey, Natalie Gerber, who was one of the main people who convinced him to even try it at all, and someone who not only did Enoch always look up to but someone who was always supportive through it all.

 

John-Morgan Miller - Jack Kelly (Junior)

John-Morgan is an aspiring Maeser actor and singer, and self proclaimed "drama master." His career in theatre arts began in 8th grade, when one Natalie Gerber convinced him to care about some dead white guy by the name of William Shakespeare. From there, he has participated in the Shakespeare competition all of his years at Maeser, the region state competition for two of those years,  and has done the play and the musical this year only. In the two productions he has been cast, he has gotten the lead in both, accounting for much of his large head. He also takes every opportunity he can to share his theatrical knowledge with the middle schoolers, via Broadway rocks, the productions, and Maeser Chorus.

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Erin Mortensen - NY Ensemble 5 (Senior)

Erin Mortensen is a senior who's spent the past 4 years doing drama. After joining the school in 9th grade, she made her debut for the first time in the Fall play as one of the three Merrimen (The Importance of Being Earnest). Some of her favorite roles have been Merrimen, The 'Evil' Stepmother (The Adventure's of Rose Red), The Centaur (Xanadu), Blondo Malfoy (Puffs), Beatrice (Much Ado About Nothing-  Shakespeare Competition), and Mother (Lost Boy). What she's loved most is getting to know every amazing person in the drama department. In her free time Erin can often be found drawing, playing ukulele and singing, watching cartoons, or spending time with her loved ones. She'd like to thank her father for indulging her silly jokes, her friends for being the loveliest people in the world, and her mom for always being there when she needs her.
 

Jacob Muhlestein - Jack Kelly (Senior)

​Jacob Muhlestein has been doing theater for all six years of his Maeser career. He loves doing it all, fall play, spring musical, Shakespeare competition, and region/state. He also directed the middle school play last year and is helping TA for the beginning show choir class. He is excited for this last performance and wants to leave Maeser with a bang before leaving on his mission. He is called to Honduras, Tegucigalpa Spanish speaking, leaving June ninth. Besides doing theater, Mule tries to do a little bit of everything, from Frisbee, to Mock Trial, to Model United Nations. He is so grateful for all the mentors and teachers he’s had at Maeser, especially Ms. Hill, the director and Mrs. Shields, the choreographer.

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Chloe Norris - Newsie 1, Dance Captain (Junior)

Chloe found her love of the arts her freshman year, when she played Brutus in that year’s middle school Shakespeare ensemble scene. Since then, she has participated in almost every production Maeser has to offer, playing Mother (Lost Boy), Susie Bones (Puffs), and Zebulun (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). Her favorite drama event of the year is the state competition. Chloe has performed monologues and scenes, even directing a musical theater piece from Anastasia. While she absolutely loves the singing and acting aspects of Newsies, her favorite part of the show is the choreography. Chloe has had the opportunity to be dance captain for both Newsies and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and she loves teaching and learning choreography with her peers. 

 

Oliver Payne - Newsie 3 (8th Grade)

Oliver is a 8th grader at Maeser. This is his fourth show at Maeser. Some of his favorite roles, Maeser and beyond, are Pinnochio (Shrek Jr.), Lord Voldemort (Puffs), Chef Louis (Little Mermaid Jr.), and Simeon (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat). When he's not doing homework or extracurricular activities, Oliver enjoys hanging out with his cat, building Legos, playing Xbox, or watching classic 80s films.

 

Ivy Romero - Newsie 17 (Freshman)

This is Ivy's first real show. But she's has experience in dance and she has taken multiple drama and improve classes. She likes making up scenes with songs while in her room. In her free time she listens to music while making stories up to go with them and drawing in her artbook.

 

Sapphire Shorten - Newsie 15 (7th Grade)

Sapphire Shorten has played characters in other productions like Jo from Little Women. She has also helped make props for show productions like Tom Sawyer and Secret Garden. Along with these minor projects, she has also participated in a school art show by making a painting on quite a large canvas with help from classmates. When not doing school work like other students, she reads many books and writes some short stories. Her hobbies include reading, writing, drawing, and helping others with homework. Relaxing is also another thing she does in her free time, along with catching up on sleep missed for homework. 

 

Quincy Skousen - Newsie 14 (7th Grade)

Quincy really likes to act and be in musicals and plays. She has been in two musicals which were both Newsies but one was the middle school version and one is the real Broadway version and was part of the stage crew on Addams family. Quincy loves to perform and get herself out there. ​

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Harrison Swasey - Newsie 8 (Freshman)

Harrison goes to school at Maeser. His parents encouraged him to join this play, as they were in many plays themselves. While he is new, Harrison likes to do plays and admires some of the greatest actors, such as Jim Carry. This play will be a great experience of expertise for him.

 

Samuel Vick - Newsie 2 (Senior)

Samuel Vick is a senior in the drama program. Ever since playing Rev. Rec. Can. Dr. Chasuble in The Importance of Being Earnest, Sam has participated in show after show. Last year, he was Naphtali in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolored Dreamcoat and he won first place in duo/trio scenes at Shakespeare this year. When Sam isn't being mocked by his friends, you can find him reading classics, drawing, or at the library. Sam would like to thank his mom and his many, slightly cruel friends.

 

Porter Watts - Joseph Pulitzer and NY Ensemble 3 (Senior)

Porter Watts has been doing theatre since 6th grade. He's so proud of how far he's come since then. He's recieved many awards for his work including the Maeser Fine Arts awards and 1st and 2nd place Humorous Monologue in State. He's incredibly greatful for his friends he's made, and for his family that has been incredibly supportive! Some of his favorite roles is Leufy/ensemble(Les Mis), Reuben (Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat), Uncle Dave and others (Puffs) Juror 10 (12 angry Jurors), and Buckingham (Henry VIII). Porter is so thankful for supporiting him and Maeser theatre and lastly he really hopes you enjoy the show!​