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On Sept. 19, the Carroll College theater department held its opening night for its newest project, Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School of Magic & Magic.
This play takes the story of Harry Potter and dives into a deeper look at the Puffs, who are described as the loyal, overlooked students who just happened to be there too.
This comedy takes a look at the side characters who aspire to be heroes in their own stories, but are often overlooked.
Matt Cox is the author of “Puffs” and was the 2016 Off-Broadway Alliance Best Theatrical Experience Nominee. This play has since broken records for off-Broadway in New York, has been screened in movie theaters, has been a production across the world, and much more.
“I really enjoyed my time working on ‘Puffs,’ said junior Grace Bock, who played multiple characters, including Uncle Dave and Professor Sproutty. “The cast and crew make it worthwhile; everyone really works to create a welcoming environment so you don’t feel like an outsider if you aren’t studying theater.”
Bock, a business accounting & strategic finance major from Ridgefield, Washington, enjoyed being in a play, and making new friends.
“In between working on scenes, I got to learn about everyone, and I feel like I’ve known them a lot longer than I actually have,” said Bock. “And regardless of how the day went, they never failed to create such a positive environment that I always left the theater feeling better than when I had walked in.”
The main character in this parody is Wren Hopkins, who is played by senior communications major Lexi Larsen from Kettle Falls, Washington. Throughout the story, Wren is joined by her two friends, Oliver Rivers, who is played by sophomore anthrozoology major Zofia Lampkin, who is from Bellevue, Washington, and Megan Jones, who is played by junior Kadee Melton, who is an English writing major from Layton, Utah.
“From the cast to the crew, there hasn’t been one element that hasn’t been a challenge for all of us,” said Amber Barnes in her Director’s Note. “Challenge isn’t always negative, though; challenge can often mean growth. I knew when I picked ‘Puffs’ that it would push the students and they would grow. What I’ve seen has been miles beyond that.”
Barnes is the theatre department assistant and a 2004 alumna of Carroll College. Barnes has been teaching and directing for the past 20 years.
This comedic reimagining of the familiar magical story, focusing on ordinary students who just want to survive school while history happens around them, celebrates friendship, identity, and finding your place in the world. Even if you’re not the hero!
Wish you could have been there to see it? Don’t worry, there is still time to experience this high-energy ensemble comedy with quick scene changes, clever staging, and over-the-top characters.
The remaining shows will be Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for non-Carroll students (ages 12+), Seniors, Veterans, and $5 for Carroll ID holders & students under 12.
