Harwood Theatre presents ‘Puffs’ – a magical comedy for all ages
October 30, 2025 | By Lisa Scagliotti
The cast of Harwood's production of 'Puffs' at rehearsal. Courtesy photo
Harwood Union High School's Theatre Department will light up the stage for performances of “Puffs,” Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 6-8.
The full title of the play is “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.”
The story parodies J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world of Harry Potter. The original 2015 play was written by playwright Matt Cox, who conjures a comedy set in Hogwarts from the perspective of members of the Hufflepuff house, rather than the Gryffindor characters at the center of the famous books and films. The play had a successful off-Broadway run and in 2017 was nominated for the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for “Best Unique Theatrical Experience.”
Left to right: Juniors Julia Wulff and Tarin Askew, and freshman Silvan Thompson rehearse their roles in 'Puffs,' on stage at Harwood Nov. 6-8. Courtesy photo
Harwood’s Director Scott Weigand shares the show’s self-description: “For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Featuring all the stories you know, and the ones you didn't see.”
Harwood’s production features juniors Tarin Askew and Julia Wulff as Wayne and Megan, and freshman Silvan Thompson as Oliver. The story’s narrator is sophomore Nyx Gilso.
Other Puffs in the cast are seniors Maddie Stephan and Casey Klus, junior Thalia Buyer-Little, sophomore Violet Ames, and freshmen Alex Fury, Addy McCain, and Eli Askew. Ensemble members are sophomores Maya Muchler, Sage Erwin and Izzy Pockoski, freshmen Abbie Stephan, Ash Deveccio and Campbell Skates.
With its familiar material and humorous approach, the show makes for “an enchanting evening filled with laughter, friendship, and a touch of magic,” Weigand said. “‘Puffs’ is a hilarious and touching tribute to those who strive for greatness, even when they're not the main characters.”
Performances each night, Nov. 6-8, are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets at the door: $5, students; $10, adults.