Are you a fan of the Harry Potter universe? Do you enjoy amusing comedy? Well, welcome back to the magical school for witchcraft and wizardry, right here in the JBJ PAC!
PUFFS is a comedy set in the world of Harry Potter; however, it is not affiliated with the brand. It follows the same seven years that the books and movies do, however, this time from the perspective of the Hufflepuffs, who experienced a much different time at magical school. Always being looked down upon, our PUFFS will be forced to band together, prove their worth, and grow up amidst the chaos that ensues all around them.
Puffs are known for their loyalty and bubbly personalities, which can be a blessing and a curse for them as a house. In our show, it adds comedy and a lighthearted flair to what are posed as mysterious and terrifying scenarios in the original story. Being considered the “misfit” house in the Magic School is hard, but having good friends along the way can make all the difference. From a friends-to-lovers romance trope to a chaotic battle, the show has something for everyone.
Mrs. Rivera-Wu, the Theater Society’s new director, says, “Come to support these students who have been working hard for months. [Students] should come because it is a story everyone can relate to. It’s a story about perseverance, friendship, and being proud of who you are. We are not going to be the main character every time, but it’s what the background characters do that matters.”
She also quoted a character, Helga, who says, “As long as they are willing to work hard, everybody should have a place here. […]being brave or smart, or …snakes is great. But. Why be one thing when you can be… everything else?”
The cast and crew alike have been hard at work preparing for this show. I have had the privilege of watching this show evolve from the original read-through to a full, off-book run through as the assistant stage manager, and I am so proud of how this cast has brought their characters to life.
Aside from just the actors on stage, much dedication has been put in by our crews to make this show visually appealing. Hair and Makeup crews, with Mrs. Gallagher and Ms. Gallagher, have been working on testing costumes and makeup looks that will help the actors become their characters for the show. Mr. Mergner and his build and design crews have gone the extra mile on the background set for this show, succeeding in transforming the stage into a certain famous wizard school.
This week the team will be adding light and sound to the show, with the crews run by Mr. Sanford and Ms. Tobias. Once the show begins, the entire stage crew will be working hard to ensure a smooth show.
Additionally, the business crew is preparing to assist in the advertising and appeal of our show to audiences by making themed decorations and playbills.
When asked about working on the show, senior Gianna Roman, who plays Megan Jones, said, “I feel like PUFFS gives the cast a chance to tap into our childish creative sides and really have fun with our characters.”
Senior Cadence Concar, who plays Megan’s mom Xavia, added, “I love seeing all the progress we have made throughout the rehearsals. I love seeing people give it their all on stage and really get to know their characters. It is really rewarding to see physical proof of progress, and it’s definitely going to pay off when we open to audiences.”
Everyone has put their all into this show, and we cannot wait to introduce you to the Puffs on November 21 and 22! Show times are 7 PM on Friday & Saturday, and 2 PM on Saturday. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults, and are currently being sold online.
Tickets will also be sold at the door. At each show, we’ll have photo ops for audience members in the foyer, kissogram messages to send to cast members, and t-shirts and concessions for sale. Come support the SWMHS Theater Society and enjoy PUFFS, or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic!
