Reviews: Puffs presented by West Springfield HS
Written by Madelyn Regan of Centreville High School
The fury of a lion’s roar, the strike of an eagle’s talon, or the bite of a snake’s fangs might just decide the battle. Throw the friendly squeals of a badger into the mix, and you get the fan-favorite underdogs of West Springfield High School’s “Puffs: Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic: The Two-Act Edition for Young Wizards.”
Matt Cox originally wrote “Puffs” as a passion project with his friends, but before long, the parody’s two-week run in 2015 had evolved into something bigger. Now recognized as one of the most produced plays in the United States, “Puffs” continues to touch the hearts of millions. Everyone is familiar with the story of the boy who lived, but it's the awkward students on the sidelines who take center stage in “Puffs.” Faced with serpents, dragons, and ghosts galore, the unlikely hufflepuffs might just have what it takes to save the day… or they might not. But, hey, they can do magic! That counts for something, right?
With the booming voice and unmistakable presence of a Narrator, Nataline Phillips had the audience captivated. Retelling 7 years of events in 110-ish minutes is daunting, but Phillips’ quick-witted timing transformed the winding tale into an action-packed narrative. Headlining the story was Michael Yasser, Daniel Brunson, and Stella Sutton, who portrayed the inseparable trio of Wayne, Oliver, and Megan. While Yasser’s spot-on dorky delivery and Brunson’s nerdy demeanor fit neatly into the personalities of the puffs, Sutton's gothic edge added dynamic contrast.
From their first enthusiastic “Hiiiii!,” the Puffs ensemble was bursting with personality; they injected energy into treacherous tournaments and surprise sleepovers alike, not once letting the material drag. Perfectly in tune with each other as a unit, each performer also developed their own unique character. Emma Carr positively transformed into the bubbly Leanne, skipping around the stage with squeals of delight. Carr touched the audience's hearts so much that Leanne’s final stand against the death buddies elicited gasps from the audience. Ben Harper was equally as enthusiastic as he dove into the wacky energy of J. Finch Fletchley. His larger-than-life personality drew the audience’s eye; even when he was “imaginary,” Harper maintained his physicality by hopping like a frog around the stage.
Bella Bean, Clementine Schweigert, and A Certain Set Crew brought the dynamic castle to life. With a revolving door of classrooms, corridors, and sporting arenas to account for, the crew used a variety of platforms and hidden pathways to tie scenes together. Especially impressive was a secret set of stairs, which seamlessly rotated onto the stage to be used as bleachers for the tournament. The immersive experience was further enhanced by Peyton Morales and A Certain Special Effects Crew; while bubble guns added whimsy to the bathroom scene, an eerie layer of fog sent chills through the auditorium during moments of terror.
Once the curtain closed on the final scene, West Springfield's production of Puffs had given every group of underestimated misfits the hope to become heroes. It’s natural to feel like the secondary character in someone else’s story, but the Puffs proved it’s the hugs we give--not the spells we cast--that touch hearts the most.
Written by Greta Brown of H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program
Welcome to a world of magic, mayhem, and misfits with West Springfield High School’s “Puffs: Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, Two Act Edition for Young Wizards,” a spellbinding journey through the lives of the underestimated and overlooked.
While the story begins with a familiar orphaned boy with a famous scar and a propensity for magic, the audience is quickly informed that this is NOT that boy’s tale. This story instead follows Wayne Hopkins, a wizard of more ordinary talents, and his fellow Puffs, a group of students whose primary goal is to get through the school year without dying (and maybe make time for a few slumber parties along the way).
The story was executed expertly by the Narrator, played by Nataline Phillips, whose line delivery and physicality shifted between humor and drama, drawing the audience into every twist and turn of the story. At the heart of the action was the Puff-tastic trio of Wayne Hopkins (Michael Yasser), Oliver Rivers (Daniel Brunson), and Megan Jones (Stella Sutton), who never wavered in their respective performances. Yasser brought a grounded presence to Wayne, balancing Brunson’s high-energy portrayal of the neurotic Oliver with Sutton’s angsty and sarcastic Megan. Together, the trio’s chemistry lit up the stage, with a rapport that delighted and entertained in every scene whether they were battling “Death Buddies” or navigating the awkwardness of a high school dance.
The ensemble of Puffs shone just as brightly, bringing the characters’ quirks to life with physicality and humor. Ben Harper delivered a standout performance as J. Finch Fletchley, quickly switching from crawling around on the floor to remaining hilariously motionless in the following scenes. Ruby Carlon’s portrayal of Hannah was equally memorable, with whimsical physical choices that infused her character with charm and liveliness. Together, Harper and Carlon were a comedic powerhouse, leaving a lasting impression with every scene.
Behind the scenes, the technical elements elevated the production to magical heights. The costume team, led by Alina Yang and Jaqueline Drobins, tackled the daunting task of designing and coordinating 143 costumes for over 50 characters. Their work resulted in distinct, personality-driven, 90s-inspired outfits that expertly conveyed the uniqueness of every individual. The lighting, designed and executed by Sophia Pujara Johnson, Hayleigh Maher, and A Certain Lighting Crew, added depth and mood to every moment, often taking on a life of its own—most notably when the house lights came up during a humorous Narrator and booth interaction. The set design was equally impressive, crafted by Bella Bean, Clementine Schweigert, and A Certain Set Crew. It featured two levels, trap doors, moving parts, and countless details hidden in paintings that perfectly encapsulated the chaotic charm of the Puffs’ world.
With a mix of heart, humor, and a hearty dose of magical mischief, West Springfield High School’s “Puffs” reminds us that sometimes the greatest adventures aren’t about saving the world, but about finding a place where you truly belong.