Puffs at Amelia Earhart theater ()
“We are not a threat. Please be our friend.” This is the mantra repeated by the Puffs: The Hufflepuffs that is.
This past weekend my family enjoyed the Amelia Earhart Playhouse production of “Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.” Yes. It’s a long title.
“Puffs” is a hysterical work of fan fiction, and this production is a must see for any Potterheads. The script comedically avoids direct usage of any potentially copyrighted terms, keeping the audience on their toes with non-stop references to both the books and movies of the Harry Potter franchise. And while Hufflepuffs don’t usually get much attention, here they are center stage.
This fast-paced show, directed by Jacob Barnes, ricochets through all seven years at Hogwarts while the 11 cast members successfully play multiple characters, recognizable by quick costume adjustments and funny mannerisms. Hat’s off to the props genius and their clever usage of a mop.
The cast is talented and enthusiastically delivers their jabs at the main Harry Potter storyline while effectively mirroring its characters as friendly, unique and often scared Puffs. The main character, Wayne, is a loveable accidental hero that badly wants to amount to something. You will find yourself rooting for him and his oddball friend trio by the end of year seven.
While there are moments of seriousness, this play is an overarching comedy. Much like the original wizarding series, there is school, there is snogging, there is butter beverage and there is danger, but all performed with well-done comedic timing. One scene – of Cedric in a bathtub – had us laughing to tears.
The Amelia Earhart playhouse is an intimate theater offering an up close view of the production for the entire audience. The stage and offstage spaces are used advantageously, giving the audience an interactive experience. Upon entry, we were sorted into houses and any Hufflepuffs received special pennants. In addition, the “Two Broomsticks” snack bar offered the much-requested butter beverage (including an adult variety).
You can still catch this funny family-friendly show over the next two weekends in Wiesbaden. If you are coming from the KMC, it’s an easy drive and there is ample parking at the Amelia Earhart building.
Book tickets ahead via WebTrac
Show times:
February 3-4, 10-11, 17-18 @ 7:30 p.m.
February 5, 12, 19 @ 2 p.m.
Take your Harry Potter fans to see “Puffs” and you will come away laughing and crying, and maybe both at the same time. Anyway, like Cedric says, “I’m off to bed.”
