‘Puffs’ is funny take on Potter series
A comedic spin on the modern classic tale of young wizards is coming to the stage at the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas 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, according to a news release.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. April 26-27 and 2 p.m. 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 (playing 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 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,” Lewis 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.”
“Puffs” is Lewis’ first show to direct at the ARTx3 Campus, having appeared in several roles on stage and off at ARTx3. He joined the ARTx3 staff in 2023 as the outreach programs coordinator, after teaching theater at Little Rock Central High School.
The backstage crew includes Erika Kriner (stage director), Christopher Hale (stagehand), Kayla Earnest (props and costumes) and Pam Holcomb (costumes).
Tickets are $13 for members and seniors (ages 65 and older), $18 for nonmembers and $10 for students. To purchase tickets, visit artx3.org/theater or call (870) 536-3375. Tickets may also be purchased in person at ASC. “Puffs” is intended for audiences 13 and older due to adult language and humor.
For details, contact Lewis at jtlewis@artx3.org or (870) 536-3375.
This year, the ARTx3 Campus is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Arts & Science Center making its home on Main Street. It also marks 30 years since the 232-seat Catherine M. Bellamy Theater opened. For more information about the 2024 theater season, visit artx3. org/theater.