While we move into fall, Performing Arts will start to have their concerts and performances. On October 11th, 12th, and 13th, they will perform “Puffs! Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic” by Matt Cox. The screenplay is a comic twist on “Harry Potter” from the perspective of the Puff’s house. Wayne, played by senior Johnny Redman, goes on a wild adventure through his years of wizard school. He meets his two best friends, Oliver, played by senior Danny Ruiᵶ, and Megan, played by senior Camryn Wenter.
Along with his trio, he has his whole group of Puff classmates, played by seniors Matthew Halley, Pooja Kalidindi, Taylor Worthington, Ava Kline, Ella Johnson, Caitlin O’Brien, and Noah Kravetsky. They go on adventures as they try to survive the outcomes of Harry Potter’s life. With memorable scenes and characters, it is a show made to make you laugh till you are on the floor.
“My favorite scene in the show is ‘A Trio Is Born’ because I get to roll around and have fun,” Redman said.
This is Redman’s sixth show in his high school career. In addition to being an actor, he is a theater officer who has created fun events such as a “Harry Potter” watch party and a karaoke night. Redman is a key player in the fun and tight-knit community of theater.
On the other side of the curtain, Junior Sam Cushman, the co-crew head for makeup and hair, is a vital part of the performance. Without her work, the characters would lose the characteristics to transform actors from individuals into stage personalities.
“It’s a hilarious show, and I love that it is hated on Harry Potter,” Cushman said.
Not only is the show fun to witness, but its creation was also a blast and supportive. Senior Laurie McDonald is the student director of the show. McDonald has been in nine shows as a crew member or actress here. But what is a student director’s role in a show?
“Student directing is so much fun. I’m there at every rehearsal; I get to watch, take notes, and give suggestions to Mrs. Gonzales, the director,” McDonald said. “Recently, with the addition of crew and set pieces, I’ve been helping Arya, our costume crew head, pick costumes that fit the show. I primarily watch the scenes so Mrs. Gonzales can focus on our lead actors and her vision for the show!”
McDonald sees all from the ensemble to Wayne. She sees the community built in the stage lights as the actors perform.
“The atmosphere around the theater is one of support,” McDonald said. “We are all here to support and love one another in performance, and especially with a comedy, the backstage is always filled with laughter and friendship,”
As the fall performance is the first of each school year, it introduces new freshmen, like Jacob Mazzola, who plays a student and death buddy.
“It is funny and makes fun of things that people love. Our cast has worked very hard and deserve an amazing crowd,” Mazzola said.
Being new to a program and high school can be stressful, but the people who fill the theater are supportive and kind, which is evident in the show.
Scenes like “The Battle” will witness teamwork, and scenes like “A Trio is Born ” will see a friendship blossom.
Come to the show on October 11th and 12th at 7:00 p.m. and catch it one last time on the 13th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the show cost $5 for students, $10 for adults and are free for staff. You can purchase tickets through the link in their Instagram bio @braves_theatre, or at the doors before the show.