IntroductionThe Monomoy Regional High School Theatre Company’s production of Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years At A Certain School Of Magic & Magic cast a spell of hilarity and charm over the audience during its three-night run from November 14th to 16th. Directed with care and bursting with talent, the cast and crew delivered a clever and heartfelt parody of the beloved Harry Potter series, earning well-deserved applause.
The StoryAt its core, Puffs tells the story of Wayne Hopkins, played with a delightful mix of earnestness and comedic timing, as he and his loyal friends navigate seven tumultuous years in the shadow of a more famous student’s adventures. The MRHS production nailed the play’s fast-paced humor, with witty one-liners and nostalgic nods keeping the audience in stitches. The ensemble cast shone brightly, bringing life to the quirky and lovable misfits of the Puffs house while seamlessly balancing slapstick comedy with moments of genuine emotion.
The CastThe show’s standout moments included the campy duels, inventive stagecraft that creatively transformed the MRHS auditorium into a magical school, and a heartwarming message about finding one’s place in the world.
From the jump, senior Chloe Thompson as the tale's narrator was the perfect selection, her voice guiding the audience through that seven-year school period with ease and a comedic sense that really made the show.
Boden Mabile, a sophomore, embodied protagonist Wayne Hopkins to the fullest, taking this average wizard from New Mexico trying to find his place and imbuing him with a sense of loyalty, humor, and determination as he navigates chaotic adventures with his friends. His acting was exaggerated, yet subtle when needed, and work as an excellent continuation of his work as Lefou from last spring's Beauty & The Beast.
Wellington Holmes joined Mabile on the screen as friend Oliver Rivers, the sophomore acting his heart out as Hopkins' nerdy pal alongside fellow 10th grader Bobbi Braz as Megan Jones, who is the rebellious and sarcastic core of the trio. Together, these three were the heart and soul of the production, yet they were far from the only ones.
You must be wondering who played "The Boy Who Lived," right? Well, that was none other than freshman Marek Punty, a first-timer on the stage, who just nailed the Potter character. He portrays a comically excessive version of the famed protagonist, acting far more clueless, self-absorbed, and unintentionally chaotic than his original counterpart. His larger-than-life antics overshadow the underdog Puffs, humorously highlighting how their struggles unfold in the chaos left behind by his fame, Punty playing this to a tea. Congrats to him, and hopefully, he will be in many productions to come!
Lastly, Kamalei Hill just has to be mentioned. He took on two major roles for his fall show premiere, acting as the hilarious drunken uncle of Wayne, but also as student Zach Smith, a sports team leader who tends to be a bit of a bully. Truly, his over-the-top and outlandish pep talks just made the whole audience laugh out loud, really presenting how funny Puffs could get.
To everyone else part of the cast, know that you did a phenomenal job, regardless of a shout-out! It's a team effort; shows like this could not work unless all are one. Congrats on a great three nights, and know that there is great anticipation for what comes next!
The CrewBehind every successful theatrical production is a team of talented and hardworking crew members, and Puffs was no exception. The MRHS tech crew faced unique challenges in bringing the magical world to life.
According to freshman Willow Staniels, "Getting actors to put props in their correct spots" proved to be tricky, while Emma Eldredge, a sophomore, noted that "timing and remembering actions" was no small feat. Benjamin Mills, who also contributed to this review, wanted to include the importance of precision, stating, "Perfectly timing things was the most important."
Despite these challenges, the crew pulled off complex scenes with flair, including the "puppet show scene," highlighted by Staniels, and the epic Battle Of Hogwarts, which Mills called the most elaborate scene to coordinate. From using a ceiling tile as a shield to a toy fishing rod for a feather prop, the tech team demonstrated resourcefulness and creativity.
Reflecting on their favorite productions, Ben enthusiastically named Puffs, while Willow and Emma reminisced about productions of Peter Pan and Beauty & The Beast.
Thank you also to Rachel Barnes for directing, dramaturg Charlie Clute, and Micheal Newby for set designing, alongside students Quill Achino (sound design), Charlotte Mahoney (lighting design), and Charlotte Skinner and Jill Stevenson (stage managers) for all their hard work! Their dedication and ingenuity behind the scenes, as well as the many other fantastic members of the crew, helped make Puffs a magical time for all.
ConclusionPuffs is more than a parody; it’s a celebration of courage, friendship, and the unsung heroes who often stand in the background. MRHS’s drama members captured this spirit beautifully, proving that even those not destined for greatness can still make a big impact. Bravo to the entire cast and crew for bringing this magical comedy to life with such skill and enthusiasm! We can't wait to see Mamma Mia! in the spring!