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In July of 2019, The Singers Studio performed a play called “Puffs” in its small studio for 40 people per performance. Three years later, you might say it’s hit the “big time” with performances at the much larger Edna Boykin Cultural Center from May 12-14.
“Puffs” is about a group of students going to a certain school of magic, based on the incredibly popular “Harry Potter” book and movie series, but without using names from that series. Fair rights usage laws allow productions to use the concept and ideas surrounding the Potter series, but specifics, like actual character names from the books and movies, cannot be used.
“This is not about the boy with the scar,” said David Winstead, director of “Puffs.”
“This is about anyone who felt they could be a hero but never have been. At our core, we are all a Puff.”
Winstead hopes the newly formed theatrical non-profit S2P2 (Singers Studio Performance Project) a will perform “Puffs” every few years.
“It was so well-received last time, and we wanted to do it again on the big stage with the show being much easier to produce on the Boykin stage,” Winstead said. “We also wanted to perform it again because it’s a fun show, family-friend, funny and heartfelt.”
“Puffs” centers around main characters Wayne, Oliver and Megan, whose characters mirror Harry, Ron and Hermione from the Harry Potter series. The show features 23 actors and 10 crew members.
“During rehearsals, we don’t stop laughing,” Winstead said. “This group is so much fun to work with, finding their comedic nature and the naturally funny spots.”
“This show is about perseverance, friends, loyalty and all about love,” Winstead continued.
“I just don’t think you can see this show enough. Sometimes we all forget to laugh and this show will definitely make you laugh.”
The script is the same as it was for the 2019 performances, but this year’s show features a new cast and a new venue with expanded possibilities.
“There was a lot we could not do last time because of our lack of space in the Singers Studio,” Winstead said.
“In terms of movement and space, it’s a lot easier now because we have a full stage and a backstage. We did it, but we had a hard time making entrances work last time. We’ve even had to make some of the props bigger now.”
Winstead plans to have extra props in the lobby of the Boykin Center, with wands from Puff and other houses available for purchase.
The lobby will be decorated with photo ops available.
“Puffs” performances are Friday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 13, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 14, at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $10 each and are available at the box office before the show or in advance www.showtix4u.com/event-details/73388.
