Coterie's Newest Show for Potterheads!
Since 1997, the story of the boy who lived has taken the world by storm. With seven books in the original series, eight films, a spinoff, theme parks, and more merch than you can shake a wand at, Harry Potter has become one of the most beloved stories of all time.
This spring, Coterie brings a new Hogwarts tale to the stage. As every Potterhead knows, there are hundreds of students at Hogwarts whose stories are yet to be told. PUFFS or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic explores the stories of the "Puffs"... students from a certain gold and black house with a badger mascot. This parody is a hilarious romp through the seven years of Hogwarts from the perspective of oft-misunderstood underdogs, er underbadgers, er wait till you watch the show... are they actually underdogs at after all?
The Hufflepuffs have long been the most underappreciated House at Hogwarts, though J.K. Rowling is known to have expressed her particular love for them.
J.K. Rowling has said, "In many, many ways, Hufflepuff is my favourite house." She cites their actions during the Battle of Hogwarts. "The Hufflepuffs, virtually to a person, stay – as do the Gryffindors. Now, the Gryffindors comprise a lot of foolhardy and show-offy people… You know, there’s bravery and there’s also showboating, and sometimes the two go together. The Hufflepuffs stayed for a different reason. They weren’t trying to show off, they weren’t being reckless. That’s the essence of Hufflepuff House."
The story of the Puffs and their perspective, almost behind-the-scenes, of the seven Potter years at Hogwarts, is the tale told in PUFFS or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.
Puffs introduces us to Wayne, a rather ordinary adopted boy, who finds himself at Hogwarts (sound familiar?). Along the way, he becomes best friends with Oliver and Megan and the three form a trio. Their House has one goal in mind... not to place last when points are scored at the end of the school year. They even chant that they want to come in third. The Puffs know they are the misfits, but they embrace their strengths and work together.
These formerly background characters take center stage in this comedic romp as they experience all seven years in just 70 minutes... or so. The show draws from the familiar; the Sorting Hat, Quidditch, the various eccentric professors, the mascots, and the story of the four houses and tells the tale from the viewpoint of otherwise forgotten Puffs.
The hilarious production is part sketch or spoof, part fan-fiction, and part homage to the original. Fans of the series will be happy that all the key elements of the story are preserved and they will laugh at the nods to the film series as it is noted that Headmaster looks a bit different from year two and three.
The cast, one of the largest casts for a Coterie production, all embrace their characters and many take on multiple parts throughout the story. Darrington Clark as Wayne, Jazlyn Epps as Megan, J. Will Fritz as Oliver, Robert John Sudhoff as Cedric, and the supporting cast all handle their parts with expertise. However, the standout performance is delivered by R.H. Wilhoit who played the Narrator and many professors. He garnered some of the best laughs in this hilarious production. His renditions of Snape and Trelawney were our personal favorites. As he switches from one character to the next, almost instantly, his comedic talent shines. Watching Wilhoit in action is worth the price of admission.
Potterheads young and old will love this new show at Coterie. Once again they delight with outstanding sets, props, casting, and professional performances to deliver a fantastic show.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCE EXTRAS
During the run of PUFFS or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, The Coterie invites audiences to take advantage of these special, free performance extras(with paid admission):
- Friday, February 28, 7:00 p.m.: Opening NightCelebration. A free post-performance reception with the director, company, staff, and board of directors.
- Saturday, February 29, 4:00 p.m., and Sunday,March 1, 2:00 p.m.: Question & Answer session. A freeQ&A with members of The Coterie’s staff and the artistic company will immediately follow the performance.
- Fridays, March 6, 13, and 20, 7:00 p.m.: FridayFamily Fun Nights featuring free post-performance autograph session and photo op with cast members.
- Saturday, March 14, 4:00 p.m.: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language.
Coterie Theatre
2450 Grand Blvd., Suite 144, Kansas City, Missouri View Map