A fast-paced, comedic romp told from the perspective of the Hufflepuffs – that’s Westfield High’s upcoming play, “Puffs.” It’s a spoof of the mega-popular Harry Potter book series, with a story spanning its entire time frame from 1991-98. 

It’s a fun time at the theater, with a witty show that doesn’t take itself seriously. And for copyright reasons, it finds humor in intentionally avoiding the real words, character names and locations associated with Potter and his adventures.

Show times are Thursday-Friday, Oct. 16-17, at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, Oct. 18, at 2 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $15, adults, $10, students, at the door or via www.westfieldtheatre.com.

The Puffs are the underdogs of the series and aren’t seen as brave, smart and cunning as the students in the other houses. But they form close friendships and bonds and create a strong community among themselves. And part of this play’s appeal is that it glosses over the major happenings in the series in favor of showcasing the Puffs’ own wizardly shenanigans.

Featuring a cast and crew of 54, it’s also Westfield’s Cappies production. “It’s an ensemble play, so everyone has an opportunity to shine and have their moment onstage,” said Director Christine Maxted. “We also have actors with strong comedic talents, and this show puts them on display.”

“The story is about what it means to belong, and that friendship, loyalty and courage come in many forms,” explained Maxted. “And this message resonates deeply in high-school theater – a place where students all bring their unique personalities and talents together.”

She said the set will depict different aspects of the magical school that students from all the different houses attend, and most of the scenes will take place inside it. As for the costumes, the Puffs’ outfits will look warm and homemade and will be in gold and black, just like Westfield’s colors. So, said Maxted, “We’re joking that we’re the Puffs.” And indeed, she added, “Our rehearsals have been a whirlwind of creativity and heart.

“The actors have discovered larger-than-life characters, and the tech crew has transformed the stage into a magical world of spells and castles. And our student leaders have been the glue holding the chaos together – proving that school theater is as much about teamwork and trust as it is about lines and cues.”

Maxted said this show will make audiences laugh “a lot. And hopefully, they’ll walk away reminded that being in third place just means you’ve found your purpose, your people and your pride.”

Senior Morgan Palmer portrays Wayne Hopkins from ages 11-18. “He’s a young, dorky boy who loves pop culture and is obsessed with being a wizard but isn’t very good at it,” said Palmer. “He cares about his friends, is loyal and passionate and has lots of courage and a general, plucky charm that sets him apart from the other Puffs. He wants to be a hero and do something really big with his life, and he idolizes the Puffs ‘leader,’ Cedric.”

Enjoying their role, Palmer said, “I love everything about Wayne; I see a lot of myself in him. And it’s fun showing him going through puberty and character changes as the years go on, and how big events change him and his goals as he matures.”

“This show has so much charm, joy and genuine heart, and audience members will be able to see themselves in the Puffs,” said Palmer. “Backstage and onstage, this show radiates community and friendship. So much work, love and passion have gone into it, and the audience will be able to feel it.

“And that’s why this show is so important. It lets people know that their group who’ll ride or die for them are out there waiting to meet them. The Puffs go through hardship and loss, but still come together in the end to pull through and support each other, even when nobody expects anything from them. This play also shows that, at the end of every night, there’s always a dawn.”

Playing Megan Jones – the female in the trio of Puffs buddies Megan, Oliver and Wayne – is junior Brenna Pond. “Originally, Megan thought she’d be a Slytherin like her mom, so it takes a while for her to accept that she’s a Puff. But being friends with Wayne and Oliver helped her realize it and see that she belongs with the Puffs.”

“She’s super confident, blunt, sharp with her words, protective of her feelings and doesn’t let many people in,” continued Pond. “But once she accepts that she’s a Puff, she’s distinctly happier and is loyal to and supportive of them.”

Pond said it’s probably the most difficult role she’s ever played because Megan is so “three dimensional, has a big turning point and has really complex emotions to portray. But it’s also my favorite role because it’s my first lead, and I love how her behavior switches from the start to the end of the play – and conveying that to the audience.”

Besides the show’s humor, Pond said people will like that “the whole play is an ode to Harry Potter and has lots of references to the series. They’ll also like our two-level set with a revolving bookcase, plus all our props – including an inflatable dragon. And we all made our own wands.”

Senior Clark Dalton portrays the villain, Mr. Voldy (a non-subtle nod to Voldemort). “He’s immortal, quirky and has a weird walk,” said Dalton. “But he’s evil to the core. Although he sometimes shows his vulnerable side when he’s conversing with his ‘death buddies’ – his crew of cronies. He wants to kill Harry but, for some reason, a curse doesn’t seem to work on him. Despite seven years of murder attempts, Harry’s still standing.” 

Glad to play this part, Dalton plays Voldy with a raspy voice while speaking into a megaphone. “I can own the stage because, as the villain, I have more power and ego than the others. Everyone’s scared of me; I make hilarious jokes, but the others are too scared to laugh.”

Dalton said audiences will like “the sharp contrasts between the Puffs’ unwarranted cheerfulness and their childlike petrification at the morbid events happening in the world around them.”

Playing Harry is senior Mary Campbell. “He’s an iconic and heroic character,” she said. “But in this show, he’s portrayed as the annoying protagonist who thinks everything’s all about him. He’s loud and egotistical and likes to make big pronouncements and be in the center of the spotlight. He’s really quite one dimensional. The Puffs hate him and are upset that everything interesting happening at school happens to him.”

Campbell said it’s fun to play someone who’s “self-absorbed and feels like he’s the main character, even though he’s not. And I like it because it’s different from the roles I typically play.”

She said audiences will especially enjoy the show’s physical comedy, which is a big part of the action. “There are fights and stage combat, and everything is over the top,” said Campbell. “So it’s campy, and even mundane movements are enhanced. People will also like the Puffs’ group dynamic as a found family, and it will really resonate with them.”