In the Spring of 2015, I had a fun little idea to take a look at a rather popular boy-wizard’s story from the perspective of some of the less fortunate students who happened to join him for seven years of education. (If you haven’t caught on: Harry Potter, Hogwarts. Moving on.) That these students were probably quite a bit terrified, very consistently confused, and, perhaps, regretting their choice of magic school, became the crux of this particular tale. A second idea was that a certain red-haired best friend with a collection of sweaters would be played by a mop.
It was a quick leap to settle this play’s focus on the “Puffs”, whom pop culture has deemed the maybe-not-so-cool kids at this particular wizard school. (A sentiment that is changing, which is great!) I cracked open that septilogy of books, and dove into these background characters’ background lives. With a bit of imagination, it opened up the story in a brand new, fascinating way.
The creative team, the cast, and I got to work on this funny little idea in the fall of 2015 at the People’s Improv Theater where we were set to run for six performances. Two years later we’re Off-Broadway at New World Stages, and people from all over the world have come and seen us. Here’s seven reasons why you should come see it too,you know, if you’re not busy.
1. You’re a Potter Fan!
Puffs is the story of Wayne Hopkins: a regular boy who finds out he’s a wizard and goes to school in England where he makes two best friends and has adventures. This perhaps sounds familiar. But, Wayne is sorted as a Puff, he and the other Puffs simply want to learn how to be wizards and avoid attacks by evil wizards.
No matter your relationship to the series, there is something here for you. Puffs is essentially a Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead-style romp through this world of wizards. Familiar characters pop in and out, but audiences see a different side of key moments. “But don’t ruin the Potterverse form!” I hear you diehard fans shouting. Though there are plenty of references to the classic moments of the books and films, we did not take the easy route.We are fans, so we (very, very) meticulously combed through the series to make sure we never broke the rules of the world. Timelines always match up. Plus, you get new lessons and deep-cut wizard jokes.
2. You’re a Fan of Laughter And Maybe Went To A School At Some Point In Life And What’s This Potter Thing?
Yes, the play most certainly brims with familiar and non-familiar wizards, but it is ultimately a story about growing up,—which, I believe, we have all done at some point or other. It’s a story about going to school, trying to make friends, and not being very popular. There are bullies, you’re figuring yourself out, and all the while the most famous kid in the world sits next to you in class. This is adolescence through a wizard filter. Plenty of people with zero Potter knowledge have had fun with us, too. (This cast is too funny for you not to laugh.)
3. You Don’t Mind Maybe Feeling Some Other Emotions
Along with all of these wizard, and non-wizard related jokes, Puffs is full of heart. We set out to create a play, not just a parody. The characters are all fully realized. They go through difficult journeys. They deal with death, personal identity, relationships, and what it means to feel insignificant in the world at large. There may in fact be some tears in the end. Maybe. You don’t have to tell anyone if there are.
4. You’re Looking For Some Sweet ’90s References
One of the things I find so funny about the series is its deep (yet lesser discussed) rooting in the 1990s. Puffs celebrates the glory of the last decade, from NSync to Spice Girls to Free Willy.
