Despite the current pandemic, and with numerous safety protocols in place for cast, crew, and audience, Sulphur Springs High School Theatre will present a fall show, “Puffs,” this November.
“Puffs or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” is a hilarious hit comedy based on a certain boy wizard who went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not that story, notes Sulphur Springs High School Director of Theatre Lesha Woodard in an announcement about the upcoming performance by the Wildcat Theatre.
“The play tells the story of the Puffs … who just happened to be there too — a tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world,” according to Woodard.
Puffs is the story of Wayne Hopkins, a regular boy who finds out he’s a wizard and goes to school in England, where he makes two best friends and has adventures. The trio (played by senior Rorie Young and juniors AllieGrace Woodard and Caleb Talmage) may sound familiar, but, Wayne and his friends are not the brave students whose story many are used to following. Wayne and friends are considered Puffs — a group of awkward, well meaning, loyal, rejects. They just want to learn magic and avoid attacks by a certain evil wizard (junior Lucy Braddy), the theater director explained.
With almost all the actors (seniors Gregg English and Caitlynn Monaghen along with Emilie Gotcher, Rylee Penny, Danielle Verlander, Aiden Woodard, Khira Young, Talley Brown, Addison Bradley, Caroline Prickette, Brandon Williams, Emery Brown, and Anayeli De La Cruz) playing several characters each, this Off-Broadway hit created by playwright/actor Matt Cox and The Peoples Improv Theatre of NY provides a hilarious, good time for both those who are huge fans of the “original” franchise and those who come in with less love for the Potter-world.
“If you love to laugh, don’t mind feeling a few other emotions, and would love to see some talented kids working incredibly hard — or are just in the mood for some sweet 90s references, this is the show for you,” Woodard noted.
Crew members Markida Hood, Camila Hidalgo, Esmerelda Santacruz, Cadyn Spigner, Katherine Hurley and Cadrian Davis are led by Stage Manager Anayeli De La Cruz and Technical Stage Manager Brandon Williams, who are both juniors.
The show will run for three performances: at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 and Nov. 21, and at 2 p.m. Nov. 22. Masks are required for all audience members.
Seating in the SSHS Auditorium is reserved and socially distanced, so those planning to attend are encouraged to get online and choose tickets soon to ensure seating.
Tickets are $5 if reserved ahead of time online at bit.ly/wildcattheatre. Tickets will be $10 at the door.
