“But now you know a different story, the story of the Puffs.”
– The Narrator
Highland High School has recently had the pleasure of hosting local community theater, The Empty Space, and their production of ‘PUFFS, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic!’ The production is filled with hilarious jabs, not-so-subtle references, and magic, of course! With a brilliant cast of actors (including some familiar faces), the show has brought tears and laughter alike to audiences in the Wesley Anderson Hall.
The show is opened by the Narrator, a charismatic storyteller who guides the audience through each year at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. Instead of following the story of the “Boy Who Lived,” we follow the story of Wayne Hopkins, a young wizard from the great state of New Mexico. After Wayne is whisked away to school at the iconic age of eleven, he is sorted into the Puffs, a heartwarming bunch of colorful individuals who all want the same thing – “Third or nothing!” Let’s meet some of the wonderful Puffs and their actors!
Wayne Hopkins
Wayne, our protagonist, is played by a well-known face on campus… our very own Mr. Thompson, drama teacher and actor extraordinaire! Although Wayne is seemingly just another student wizard at the school, his character progression and passionate personality captures the attention of the audience from the moment he enters the stage. From amazing joke delivery to perfect character choices, Mr. Thompson brings Wayne to life in a way that no one else can!
Oliver Rivers
The character of Oliver, a mathematician wizard (who is still bitter about the lack of a math class at the school), is played by Highland alumni, Connor Deming! Oliver is perfect sidekick material, sticking by his friends Wayne and Megan through it all, and finding his passion in mixing both magic and math! Oliver is a character to keep your eyes on, even when he isn’t speaking!
Megan Jones
Despite being another wizard sorted into the Puffs, Megan firmly believes she should be placed with the Snakes instead. Played by Marina Gradowitz, Megan has her heart set on pursuing evil with her mother, Xavia Jones, after she escapes wizard prison. But after befriending both Wayne and Oliver, she begins to realize who she truly is and what she truly wants for herself. Marina’s line delivery made the character feel real, making her into someone who is relatable in so many ways!
The PUFFS
The ensemble of Puffs brought the play to life, featuring characters like Leanne (played by Savanna May), a spacey, but energetic wizard, J. Finch (played by Carter Friedman), a wizard who may or may not be imaginary, and Cedric (played by Nick Ono), the coolest Puff around! Throughout the years, the Puffs learn more about each other, and discover that despite being the most disliked House in school, they are still capable of doing amazing things together!
Familiar Faces
Returning to the stage in this fantastic production are some Highland alumni, those who continue to pursue their passion for theater even after graduation! In addition to Mr. Thompson, we also are greeted by:
Connor Deming – Oliver Rivers
Ryan Campbell – Ernie Mac
Jocelyn Barrison – Ensemble
Breanna Riggs – Ensemble
Diagonal Alley
Along with a wonderful play, there are also tables outside of the auditorium both before the show and during intermission, loaded with PUFFS merchandise, cute trinkets, and snacks! Items like incense, books, jewelry, and more are available for purchase at Diagonal Alley at every performance.
During their closing weekend, Diagonal Alley will be having sales on fun items like rings, pens, and mandrakes, so make sure to check out these great deals before the show is gone for good!
Cast Interviews
“What are some of your favorite aspects of your character and playing him?”
“My character’s ego and intellect are polar opposites. Although I don’t play into my “massive” ego as much as I’d like to, it’s still fun being an empty headed easily excitable character and working with Carter who plays J. Finch – he’s a joy to have around.” – Ryan Campbell (Ernie Mac)
“How does it feel being in the same cast as your former director?”
“Being in the same cast as Thompson felt kinda unreal at first but he is great to work with and it’s so cool to have the opportunity to be in a show with him!” – Breana Riggs (Ensemble)
“What are some of your favorite parts about the production of this show?”
“My favorite parts about the production of the show are all the fun jokes that we get to share with the audience, even those not too familiar with the Harry Potter series.” – Jocelyn Barrison (Ensemble)
Interview with Wayne Hopkins
LILY: As the director of all Highland productions, how does it feel to be performing on your own stage?
THOMPSON: It’s surreal! Now, I understand what my students see and what they don’t see, which is cool to see. I perform in my regular life, but to see what my students see is really an insight.
LILY: This is your second time doing Puffs with The Empty Space playing the same character, Wayne Hopkins. How does it compare to the first time you played him? Is it any easier?
THOMPSON: I think with Wayne, it’s much like a play, this is my Act 2. The first time, following the show, Wayne is very hopeful and excited; he’s this normal kid who joined this new wizarding school, so he’s going through it. And it was fun and exciting! In the second act, Wayne goes through a lot of turmoil and stress and tragedy. So the second time around feels like that, in a way that it’s a stressful experience, being that we are at Highland and I’m on the administration side of things when it comes to renting the facility. But I’ve experienced this wizarding world before with Wayne, and it’s kind of an accepting and learning experience. No spoilers but, in the end Wayne accepts what is happening to him, and it’s kind of like that. Would I play him again? No, I’m passing the torch because I am too tired and ready to pass the torch.
The Empty Space
The Empty Space is a 100% volunteer community theater that has been dedicated to bringing quality productions to Bakersfield for twenty years! The Space has put on many successful productions, including Heathers, PUFFS, and Spongebob: The Musical, to name a few. The Empty Space prides itself in its activism and community involvement around Bakersfield, as a part of their mission to “Set Theatre Free”.
This amazing production is only playing two more times at the Wesley Anderson Hall; Friday and Saturday night! Doors open at 7 and the show starts at 7:30. Tickets are $10 for students at the door ($20 for general admission). Come learn the story of the PUFFS, see some familiar faces, and share great laughs with your family and friends!
Recent Reviews
“I liked ‘He who shall not be named’. He was a silly little guy” – Savana On The Go!
“I like the Ron mannequin. I usually don’t like gingers but he was cool” – Anthony Rosas
“The bath scene. It was just funny when Myrtle started doing dolphin things.” – Amarie Aurelio
“My favorite part was being selected from the audience by the narrator to get things from the show.” – Lily Garza
The Scot's Scrapbook 