After three months of preparation, Hagerty Purebred Productions is ready to present “Puffs,” a parody of a popular wizarding franchise. The play follows the story of the “Puffs” in their seven years at “A Certain School of Magic and Magic” and features numerous callbacks to the original franchise with: returning characters, references to the extended storyline in “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and numerous other Easter eggs.
This time, the well-known story of Harry’s seven years (at the school many assume to be Hogwarts) is instead told by those who “[have] never been destined to save the world.” The show will run from 7-10 p.m. on Jan. 23-25, and tickets start at $9.
Narrated by Wayne Rivers-Jones (senior Cole Jones), “Puffs” follows outcast trio Wayne Hopkins, Oliver Rivers and Megan Jones (portrayed by senior Justin Hazelwood, freshman Kenzo Richardson and senior Addyson Laisch respectively) as they attempt to navigate messy romances, family problems and social pressures amidst the fallout of Harry’s (played by sophomore Makenzie Wilde) constant conflict with Mr. Voldy (junior Jolin Alcindor). Simultaneously, the Puffs attempt to win the school-wide House Cup challenge for the first time in A Certain School of Magic and Magic history.
Rehearsals for the comedy began last October, and since then, the 16-person cast and crew have been meeting several times a week for at least two hours at a time to put the show together.
Early on, rehearsals consisted primarily of blocking pages (choreographing scenes), but has now expanded to include rehearsing in full costume.
Overall, despite the rigor of the practices, the actors and crew have thoroughly enjoyed their time making memories on set and exploring their roles.
“Being able to portray characters that are not typically in my typecast has been such a pleasure. I definitely see parts of myself [in them],” Alcindor said.
Hazelwood expanded on Alcindor’s comment, stating that not only did he enjoy playing a character he deeply connected with, but also that many viewers would relate to Wayne– especially those who are used to feeling like outsiders.
“[Though I am not] as much of a nerd as Wayne, [I connect with my character through] a lot of things, like Legend of Zelda and [“Dungeons & Dragons”],” Hazelwood said.
For senior Mallorie Nusbaum, who plays Wayne’s love interest Sally Perks, “Puffs” marks an important milestone in her acting career, as it is her first named role with Purebred Productions.
“I had my eyes set on [Sally] and ended up getting her, which is amazing. I love Sally [because] she is very kindhearted and [sic] whimsical,” Nusbaum said.
While some parts of the performance get a little serious, the show overall remains lighthearted and suitable for ages 13 and up. Viewers can look forward to several improvised scenes and surprise details added by the cast—each night the show is slightly different.
“Harry Potter [fans] especially [would enjoy the show] because there [are] a lot of little jokes in there for them,” Hazelwood said.
Purebred Productions’ performance of “Puffs” is sure to leave an imprint on fans and non-fans alike. Afterall, as Rivers-Jones said, “there’s a little part in all of us, a Puff. It’s the part of you that’s brave, loyal, and true.”
