Local residents join the cast of ‘Puffs,’ a show about a school of magic, to be presented by Theatre Company of Saugus

The Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) will present “Puffs – Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” during two weekends in April 2024. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain wizard school and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs… who just happened to be there, too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Third or nothing!

The New York Times proclaims “Puffs” “a fast-paced romp through the seven increasingly eventful years…. For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial winking fondness for all things Harry!”

Performances are April 19-20-21 and 26-27-28, 2024, on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., and with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

The location is the Theatre Company of Saugus home at the American Legion Post 210 / 44 Taylor St. / Saugus, Mass. The upstairs performance space is not wheelchair accessible, but it features a bar with soft and alcoholic drinks available at very reasonable prices.

Tickets are now on sale. Tickets paid at the door will be $25 for adults or $23 for seniors, youths or veterans. Tickets purchased in advance online will be $22 for adults or $20 for seniors, youths or veterans. For complete info, see the Tickets page on the website tcsaugus.org/tickets

“Puffs” is directed for TCS by Kaycee Wilson. She directed the Saugus production of the musical “Zombie Prom” presented in fall 2022, which was nominated for several DASH awards, including Best Musical. Kaycee also appeared in TCS’ spring 2023 production of “Comedy of Errors.” The stage manager for “Puffs” is Delys Russell.

Cast members come to Saugus from a variety of towns in the area, and some of them play multiple roles. Malden residents include Brady Neiss-Moe as Zach Smith, Second Headmaster, and others; Kathy Bedard as Xavia Jones and others; and Stephen Nedell as all the Teachers. Everett residents are Kaleigh Ryan playing Megan Jones, and Mark Damon as J. Finch Fletchley. Somerville residents include Joseph Grebla, who plays Clumsy Longbottom, Uncle Dave and others; and Meghan Patrick, who is Magic #1. Tricia Smith plays Hannah and is from Revere.

The show has some adult language and situations that might not be suitable for younger kids. “Puffs” is a stage play written by Matt Cox as a transformative and transfigured work under the magic that is US Fair Use laws. “Puffs” is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

The show has some adult language and situations that may not be suitable for younger kids. “Puffs” is a stage play written by Matt Cox as a transformative and transfigured work under the magic that is US Fair Use laws. “Puffs” is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play.

“Puffs” was originally produced Off Broadway by Tilted Windmills Theatricals (John Arthur Pinckard / David Carpenter). “Puffs” was developed in part during a residency with the University of Florida School of Theatre + Dance, Jerry Dickey, School Director; originally produced Off-Off Broadway by Stephen Stout and Colin Waitt. “Puffs” (Two Act Edition) is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

For more information and to purchase tickets, see the TCS website at TCSaugus.org.

“The Theatre Company of Saugus home at the Saugus American Legion is not large and social distancing is not possible. Therefore we will invite our audience to wear masks inside (unless actively eating or drinking). All the cast members of our shows are vaccinated, and will be tested prior to performances.”

TCS, which was founded in 1968, is the community theatre serving Saugus, Mass., and surrounding towns. In most years TCS presents four shows, including plays and musicals, and a summer youth theatre workshop.