Harpeth High School to stage comedy “Puffs” March 12–14

The Harpeth High School theatre program will bring a magical comedy to the stage next week with its spring production of “Puffs.”

Performances will take place March 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., with two shows scheduled for March 14 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Directed by theatre teacher Jamie Emery, the play — officially titled “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” by Matt Cox — is a comedic retelling of a familiar wizarding story, but from the perspective of the often-overlooked Hufflepuff house.

“I like to say think Monty Python meets Harry Potter,” Emery said.

Unlike the department’s fall musical, the spring show is a non-musical comedy featuring about 20 students across cast and crew. This year’s production was cast as an “all-star” show, allowing students from multiple theatre classes to audition and participate voluntarily.

Freshman Avery McCormick plays the female lead, a role Emery said she has embraced both on and off stage.

“It’s not just about having the part — it’s about being a leader,” Emery said. “Her work ethic and talent level have been incredible.”

Other featured performers include Sutton Dabrowiak, who Emery said has grown more confident on stage this year, and Logan Richards, who plays the story’s central character after becoming a fan favorite in last year’s production of “Clue.”

Among the cast is freshman Luke Davis, who recently received Mid-State and All-State recognition in playwriting at the Tennessee All-State Theatre Event during the Tennessee State Thespian Conference earlier this year.

The production also features a demanding technical side, with hundreds of props and cues woven throughout the show.

“There are probably about 300 individual props between costume pieces and set pieces,” Emery said. “And there’s over 220 light cues and around 300 sound effects.”

Students are handling most of the technical work, including lighting and sound, with several working backstage and others operating the production’s extensive cue system.

Audience members will also have the chance to participate in the show through interactive “Puff Packs,” a $10 fundraiser sold at the performance that includes a wand and other items that allow guests to take part in the story.

Emery said the show’s fast-paced humor and subtle references make it a fun experience for both devoted fans of the wizarding world and newcomers alike.

“The audience is going to laugh,” she said. “There are so many little details that you almost want to see it more than once.”

Tickets will be available at the door and are $7.