A Midsummer Night's Dream Cast

Jon Garling (Duke Theseus)
Jon Garling loves taking on new adventures, from Skydiving to Bull-riding. In high school he participated in ballroom dance classes as well as choir. He always admired thespians from afar, but never had the courage to try acting. A Midsummer Night’s Dream marks his theatrical debut. He has loved seeing his fellow actors, thriving in the mastery of their crafts. It ignites the dreams of wonder to ‘warm yourself to the passion of others.’ He is grateful for his loving wife and three darling daughters as he sets out on the adventure tonight.
Carly Brewer (Hippolyta)
Carly is overjoyed to return to the stage after an extended hiatus! She loved performing in high school and community theatre productions such as The Madwoman of Chaillot, Guys and Dolls, Summer of the Swans, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream twice! For Brett, Kellen, Ezra, Jonah, and June - Love you most!
Margaret Payson (Egeus)
Margaret is happy to return to the stage in her favorite Shakespeare play. She began acting in high school (before most of the rest of the cast was even born) and Studied theater at U of A . During the 1990s, in Globe, AZ, she was involved in many productions with the Cobre Valley Community Players and was acting director for Summer Youth Musical Theater Program for several years. She was awarded a Zoni for excellence in costume design in children's theater for her work on a production of Wizard of Oz in Scottsdale.
Alise Chlarson (Hermia)
Alise is so excited to perform as Hermia in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night's Dream! She has previously participated in NPC’s last show, Hello, Dolly! and Snowflake High School's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as Truly Scrumptious. Although Shakespeare is new to her, Alise has loved being part of this amazing cast and taking on this new challenge. Alise is pursuing a career in Elementary Education. While taking classes at NPC, Alise adores working as a 2nd-grade Title 1 Aide at Snowflake Highland Primary. Juggling the demands of her work, school, and the show has been challenging, but she has loved every minute.
John Ellsworth (Lysander)
John is thrilled to be back on the stage for this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream! He was awarded the performing arts scholarship after his high school performance as Mr. Macafee in Bye, Bye, Birdie. He then served a mission in Denver, Colorado, and Tokyo, Japan, and has since returned starring as Cornelius Hackle in NPC’s Hello, Dolly! last fall. He is a full-time student here at NPC and will be transferring to Brigham Young University in the fall!
Strider Brewer (Demetrius)
Strider is looking forward to performing Shakespeare for the first time. He made his acting debut in Elementary School and since then has starred in multiple roles; including Captain Hook, Linus, Conrad Birdie and King Triton. While not on stage, Strider loves to read, write, watch movies and hit the gym. This is his 4th production at NPC and is excited to perform for you.
Natalie Frei (Helena)
Natalie is excited to be back participating in something she loves with such a fantastic cast and crew. Shakespeare has always been a big part of her life so she is very happy and humbled to bring one of his characters to life for you today. She would like to give a big thank you to YOU for supporting the local theater and her husband for watching their son so she could rehearse and perform.
Dennis Pawlik (Peter Quince)
Dennis has been doing theater for the past 5 years. Some of his previous roles include The Baker (Into the Woods), Mr Lawrence (Little Women), and Mr. Webb (Our Town). This is Dennis’s first exploration of the world of Shakespeare portraying the character Peter Quince. Always remember that the real Midsummer’s Night Dream was the friends we made along the way.
Ally Dunn (Starveling, the tailor)
Ally is excited to be performing in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Having first gained a love for Shakespeare when she performed as a Rebel Soldier in Shakespeare's King Henry IIII. As part of NPCs Kids college theater camp, she has also performed as a Band member, in The Music Man kids, and a Fish, in Seussical kids. In her free time Ally enjoys drawing, reading, and playing violin.
Heather Whipple (Snout, the tinker)
Heather has always loved music and performing arts and has been doing productions since age eight. Recent credits include Hello, dolly!, Meet Me in St. Louie, and The Little Mermaid. Heather studies creative writing at NPC, and has plans to publish a novel.
William Blair (Flute, the bellows mender/Peaseblossom)
William Blair is excited to be in another NPC performance, although, when asked about his role, he had only this to say, "... I can't believe they got me in a dress."
Christian Meyers (Flute, the bellows mender/Peaseblossom)
Christian Nathanael Meyers is excited to join NPC in this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. He is excited about the chance to dance as a fairy as it is his favorite activity outside of school. He has trained as a dancer since age 12 in the genres of hip-hop and ballet. He studied ballet as a company member of Arizona Youth Ballet under the tutelage of Ms. Christina Hampton and Mr. Scott Bodily from 2018-2022. He has performed the roles of Fritz in The Nutcracker three different times, the Nutcracker in three different productions, and the Snow King. He also starred as the Prince in Snow White. Christian is also excited to act as Flute. This is his first acting role, and he hopes to perform to the best of his ability.
Lori Nelson (Snug, the joiner)
Lori Nelson has been homeschooled since Kindergarten. She has been taking classes at NPC for the last two years and she volunteered for the Navajo County Sheriff from 2021-2023. Drawing, and writing are some of her exercises for creativity and a pastime for enjoyment. She has not had any previous production experience, having only dreamed about it when she watched movies while growing up. Lori is excited to finally join the effort and creativity to bring stories and characters to life on stage. She loves her family and will forever be grateful for their support of her dreams and accomplishments. When there isn't drawing or school occupying her time she takes care of her many pets, dogs, a cat, a turtle, and a fish. She likes to play with her nieces and nephews when they visit, or shoot her bow and arrow in her front yard.
Brian Jackson (Nick Bottom, the weaver)
Brian is thrilled to be back for his 7th production at NPC. He graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and has been performing in some capacity since he was 5. Credits include: Hello, Dolly!; Under Milk Wood; Man of La Mancha; Annie; Sweeney Todd, Avenue Q; It's a Wonderful Life; Once On This Island; You're a Good Man Charlie Brown; Bye, Bye, Birdie! and countless other TV, film and miscellaneous industry bits. He never feels more at home than when he is on stage, and thanks his lucky stars that he has such amazing people in his life that love and support him. Pat, pat!!
Ashley Nudson (Puck/Philostrate)
Ashley has both worked and performed at NPC for a number of years now. Appearing in shows such as: ‘Drowsy Chaperone’, ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’, ‘9-5’ and ‘Little Women’. With mostly Musical experience, this will be Ashley’s first time in a Shakespeare production, and the first time playing a role such as the mischievous Puck.
Grace Sweet (Mustardseed)
Grace Sweet is a high school senior who plays the role of Mustardseed. She is extremely proud to be part of A Midsummer Night's Dream. After she graduates, Grace hopes to use the art of theater to make others happy and spread her faith.
Evie Jackowiak (Cobweb)
Evie is so excited to be making her debut in NPC's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. This is her first experience with theater, but she's not a newcomer to the stage. Evie has been studying Ballet for several years and most recently with Spark Dance Academy. She loves sewing, dancing, singing, and writing. She hopes to one day be lucky enough to have a profession in the arts. In the meantime, Evie's enjoying ranch life, playing with pigs, and obsessively watching musicals.
May Tenney (Moth)
May has performed two shows at NPC and it's been awesome! She enjoys singing and dancing, as well as art and crochet. During her years at Snowflake High School, May participated in such musicals as: Oklahoma, Crazy for You, Beauty and the Beast, and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This play is the first non-musical May has ever performed in, and it has been a wonderful experience! “I hope you enjoy our performance as much as we do, and hope you’ll try out for the next production!”
Savana May (Titania)
Savana May is a second-grade teacher in Show Low. This is her third show with NPC. You may have seen her as Jo in Little Women or as a dancer in the recent production of Hello, Dolly! Savana is originally from Colorado where she spent her younger years and highschool participating in theater. Playing roles such as the Tinman in The Wizard of Oz, Catherine in Pippin, and Miss Peretti in Putnam County Spelling Bee. Savana is thankful for the opportunity to expand her theater knowledge and challenge herself as Titania in this production. Theatre is an important part of her life and she is always excited to share experience with everyone around her. She hopes this show gives you a newfound appreciation for Shakespeare's work. Enjoy the show!
Carson Saline (Oberon)
Carson enjoys long walks through Disneyworld, eating ice cream in front of a cozy fire, and modeling fashions in a second-hand clothing shop. He graduated kindergarten with honors, and hopes to one day find the cure for thirst. If you think no less of him, than he of himself, he may pass for an excellent man. Enjoy the show!