The Theater at WHATco presented PUFFS, or as it is also known, the Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.
Underdog Students
The company stormed the stage with verve and enthusiasm as they presented this parody of the Harry Potter franchise. PUFFS portrays the story of a group of underdog students from Hufflepuff House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. We follow the madcap antics of Wayne Hopkins, an overly enthusiastic Puff who dreams of being a hero like Harry Potter.
Misadventures
The stage lit up as the troupe began their crazy journey as they tried to figure out where they fit in at Hogwarts. They find themselves caught up in misadventures and riotous near-death experiences while learning to cope with their less glamorous status in school.
A scene from PUFFS at WhatCo. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Friendship and Loyalty
Whimsical and witty, the Puffs explored themes of identity, friendship, and loyalty. With tonight’s cast of eccentric characters, the troupe satirized the Harry Potter universe with inside jokes and references in their own virtual, imaginative world.
Immersive Dramaturgy
Timing and blocking effectively kept the audience’s attention and guided the action. Sound and musical cues emphasized drama, humor, and intrigue perfectly. Lighting and sound supported the virtual, imaginative world created on stage. Costuming and sets worked well to draw viewers into the world of the Puffs. The cast’s effective use of spoken dialects was impressive as they projected the archetypal English accents from the Harry Potter settings. Moreover, the cast utilized immersive dramaturgy, expanding their sphere into the playhouse and interacting with audience members.
A scene from PUFFS at WhatCo. Photo by Edward Kliszus Large
Dancing and Puppetry
Humor and action were frequently madcap. Scenes were spiced with dancing, puppetry, and joke delivery like the 60s show “Laugh In”. Monty Python’s droll wit and spooky, half-spoken, and half-sung choral incantations (aka Sprechstimme) tied it together for fabulous fun!
Method Acting
The troupe succeeded in creating a delightfully funny and heartwarming tribute to the underdogs and unsung heroes of the magical world. Regardless of the scope of each part, every actor projected their heart and soul. This method acting technique ensured the projection of a complete dramatic product.
A scene from PUFFS at WhatCo. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Resounding Accolades
Tonight was a sold-out performance. The audience laughed, hurrahed throughout, and delivered resounding accolades during the final bows. The next production is in December, so don’t wait to purchase your tickets and support the work of this important theater.
PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic
John Jesse Jeffords as Narrator
Dylan Myers as Wayne Hopkins
Joseph Jones as Oliver Rivers
Chloe Kiefer as Megan Jones
The Puffs united in a scene from PUFFS at WhatCo. Photo by Edward Kliszus
The Puffs
Jessica Jones as Susie Bones and others
Maggie Madere as Hannah and others
Nick Maes as J. Finch Fletchley and others
Lillian Mayo as Leanne and others
Maria Ruppert as Sally Perks and others
Prat Shekhar as Ernie Mac
Deke Stoklosa as Cedric, Blondo, Locky and others
Ensemble
Nelson DePasquale as a Certain Potions Teacher, Zach Smith, and others
Richard Dwyer as Real Mr. Moody, Professor Turban, and others
Samantha Egge as Ginny, Frency, Sprouty, and others
Timothy Firth as Mr. Voldy and others
Brooke Gorsica as Harry and Helga
Ron Mop as Himself
Artistic
“Puffs (Two Act Edition)” by Matt Cox
Brandi-Leigh Miller – Production Manager
Michelle Almeida – Assistant Production Manager
Allyssa Hynes – Director
Ed Shea and John Westling – Stage Managers
Brian Sullivan – Set Designer
Jim Miller – Sound Designer
Luis Andrade – Lighting Designer
Roman Koster – Costume Designer
Frankie Perez – Voiceover Engineer
Rich Bellin, Dannie Koo, Romas Foster, and Brandi-Leigh Miller – Properties
Montserrat Mendez – Set Construction Assistant
Keith Raulerson – Technical Advisor
Brooke Gorsica – Lighting Advisor
Linda Kraus D’Isa – Public Relations
Roman Koster – Original Puppets
Michelle Almeida – Social Media Manager
Runtime about 150 minutes with a 15-minute intermission
The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company
15 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd
South Harrison NJ 07029
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Click HERE for info and tickets for the current season.
Readers may also enjoy reviews of Americano the Musical, Birthday Candles, The Music Man, and Kafka Metamorphosis.
