The Oakdale High School Theater Program is returning for the 2024-2025 school year with its fall show, Puffs. Opening night is just around the corner, with shows starting in November. Scheduled are 7 p.m. shows on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13, 14, 15 and 16; and a 2 p.m. matinee show on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Stage manager of Puffs as well as lead set designer, Sydney Gilbert, commented: “So far I feel like Puffs has been an extraordinary experience. All the cast has come together, and learned their lines so brilliantly. They have really done their part, and their job to make this show what it is. The show is kooky, silly, and awesome, but that is the point of Puffs. This cast has really brought their all, and it shows within the product. I’m excited to see you at the opening of Puffs, for this is going to be a great show.”
Oakdale High School drama teacher Lezlie Acker is serving as director for the production.
“Puffs is one of the most produced plays in U.S. high schools and for years it has been on the top of my list for good reason. The awkward situations and coming-of-age struggles the characters go through, make it highly relatable for young actors, but the themes of friendship, loyalty, and self-acceptance are what really resonate with audiences. It is a fast-paced comedy, but also pulls at the heartstrings,” Acker explained.
Although this is a parody of certain well-known wizarding students at a certain wizarding school, it is equally as enjoyable for Harry Potter fans as it is for those who have never read or watched the Potter series, the director noted. She added that the witty comedy and universal themes will resonate with audiences of all ages.
“What I like best about Puffs is that it is told from the underdog’s point of view; Harry’s story is the fancy CGI blockbuster, million-dollar budget hit, but the story of the Puffs, who are relegated to living in the basement and are often overlooked, is down to earth, relatable and heartwarming,” Acker said. “This cast has done a fabulous job of bringing their own flair to both new and well-known characters. Every rehearsal has me laughing out loud at the bold and hilarious choices they make.”
Settling in for a showing of Puffs will be a night filled with thrills, magic, and … disappointment; because this is the story of the Puffs who always were in the background trying to deal with all the evil that surrounds them. It follows the story of Wayne Hopkins as he tries to figure out the magical powers of wizarding, but is always overshadowed by another wizard boy that gets all the glory.
Online tickets are now available and can be purchased for $12 at the Oakdale High School website.
