Harrison Central brings wizarding comedy ‘Puffs’ to life on stage

Magic filled the auditorium at Harrison Central High School’s Performing Arts Center Nov. 7, 8 and 9 as students performed “Puffs (Two Act for Young Wizards)” by Matt Cox. The production was directed by Ashley Doren, Dani Doren and Alex Dray.

The play follows young wizard Wayne Hopkins and his friends as they navigate school, friendship and the meaning of heroism. Davian Beall portrayed Wayne Hopkins, with Lola Smith as Megan Jones and Evie Richards as Oliver Rivers. The story’s humor and heart captured the magic of growing up and finding courage in unexpected places.

Other lead performers included Jaden Nice and Eva Smith, who served as narrator. Behind the scenes, Chloe Omaits managed the stage, Emerson Wood handled light and sound effects, and Jude Wissman oversaw props.

The young cast featured two sophomores, two freshmen and an eighth grader, who together have already performed in a combined 14 productions.

Additional cast members included Hagan Hopkins, Shya Tuttle, Sophia Lee, Bailey Salitino, Kaydee Sobleski, Corey Feezel, Brylee Nichols, Avila Weiss, Skyler McFarland, Avery Bailey, Pierce Sobleski, Bella Davis, Zayden Losh, Emerson Wood and Richard Brumfield.

Crew members were Chloe Omaits, Jude Wissman, Emerson Wood, Leah Rapp, Sage Cunningham, Johnathan Wissman, Ayla Kelley, Kara Bowman, Richard Brumfield, Gracie Bardall, Jre’ydan Crawley and Lila Kupsky. Several students took on multiple roles throughout the performance.

As narrator Eva Smith expressed during the show, the heart of “Puffs” lies in recognizing “the part of you that works hard, the part that remains loyal and true despite whatever terrifying monsters are thrown your way… the part that plays fair, even when life is anything but.”

The cast and crew of Harrison Central’s “Puffs” reminded audiences that, in the end, goodness and loyalty always triumph over adversity.