ARTx3 Campus to present “Puff” April 26-28

A hilarious new spin on the modern classic tale of young wizards is coming to the stage at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas (ASC) on the ARTx3 Campus.

“Puffs” is the story of a group of students at a wizard school, the same school attended by a certain bespectacled boy wizard. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs ... who just happened to be there too. Unlike their famous classmate, however, they are not destined to save the world.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 28. The show is in the Catherine M. Bellamy Theater at ASC, 701 S. Main St. The production is sponsored by Relyance Bank.

The cast comprises Matthew Nguyen (“Wayne Hopkins”) of Pine Bluff, Briar Thompson (“Oliver Rivers”) of Star City, Chyna Sims (“Megan Jones”) of Crossett, Damir Johnson (“Narrator”) of Pine Bluff, Arin Bell (“J. Finch Fletchey”) of Pine Bluff, Bethany Gere (“Leanne”) of White Hall, Crystal Jennings (“Sally Perks”) of Woodlawn, Emily Burris (“Susie Bones”) of Little Rock, Raymond Wallace (“Cedric”) of Pine Bluff, Matthew Howard (“Ernie Mac”) of Pine Bluff, and Emily Jackson (“Hannah”) of Redfield.

“Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” is an original play by New Yorkbased playwright Matt Cox. It is a parody of the “Harry Potter” book series by J.K. Rowling. (“Puffs” is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.) The play premiered at The People’s Improv Theater in New York City in December 2015.

Director J. Tyler Lewis explained how there is a positive message behind the humor.

“Everyone ages 13 and older should come out and watch this show, not only to laugh at the jokes and the nostalgia for ’80s and ’90s kids, but for the message that this play shares,” he said. “There are times in which we all have experienced what Wayne feels throughout this play. Those periods when we feel as if we aren’t the main character of our own story. This play, through its comedic vulgarity and charm, reminds us that we aren’t just the main character of our own story, but the hero in someone else’s.”

To purchase tickets, visit artx3.org/theater or call 870-5363375. Tickets may also be purchased in person at ASC.

“For more information about the show, contact Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or 870-5363375.