Otherworld’s “Puffs,” with Blake Marion Hood, Jono Mammel and Kyra Young/Photo: Nadir Waxali
Otherworld Theatre Company’s production of “Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” is a fun take on the story of the most famous boy wizard in pop culture. You know the one.
It’s a longstanding joke in “Harry Potter” fandom that three of the four houses of the school have particularly specific and desirable traits, but the last one… not so much. In this retelling, the traits double as the name of each respective house—“Braves,” “Smarts” and “Snakes.” But what about the fourth house? What about the “(Huffle)Puffs?”
Written by Matt Cox, “Puffs” (unauthorized, unlicensed, unsanctioned) examines the series from the points of view of the Puffs, a group of students “who just happened to be there, too.” You don’t have to be a diehard fan to enjoy this show, but you will get more out of it if you’re familiar with the Potter world. This is an earnest, funny show, though not without poignant moments.
Otherworld Theatre itself is a lovely, cozy venue, and this continues onto the Ray Bradbury stage. The “Puffs” set, by co-director and production designer Tiffany Keane Schaefer, is welcoming—beautiful and functional—with a diamond-patterned floor and doors that open and close.
The ensemble is fantastic and constantly in motion. Players cover multiple roles, and the intimate theater buzzes with energy. For the most part, costuming and props are minimal, which means the actors have more to do in order to embody the more recognizable characters from the franchise, who, apart from Harry and a few others, are never referred to by name. It’s a joy to watch this talented cast, who make it all look effortless. You’ll have fun just watching them have fun.
Otherworld Theatre’s “Puffs,” with Janice Rumschalg, Jenna Sage, Jerome Jones and Christen Krasch/Photo: Nadir Waxali
Within the last few years, the creator of “Harry Potter” has made transphobic statements in which she refuses to accept the existence and validity of the transgender community. Her insistence on these views has been a blow to fans, particularly LGBTQIA+ readers. For many, the series had been a source of solace and comfort in the face of discrimination, a safe place to land. Brought to light, the author’s bigoted views tarnished something beloved. How could LGBTQIA+ fans return to a time in which they did not know of the author’s hatred? By reading the books, are cis- and non-cis individuals indirectly supporting the author?
In a thoughtful director’s note, co-directors Schaefer and Vhenan Armitage Strange examine the importance in reclaiming the fandom and affirm the theater’s commitment to trans rights. “Puffs” is donating a portion of each ticket to Howard Brown Health and its transgender healthcare initiatives. Otherworld will also host panels and discuss trans healthcare and justice, and reclaiming fandoms.
A recent NPR piece cited the “Young Wizard” edition of “Puffs” as the second most popular play performed in high schools during the 2022-2023 school year. By holding its panels, Otherworld continues to emphasize two core messages of the show—”support others” and “do the right thing”—thoughtful, necessary messages for audience goers of any age and any place.
“Puffs” at Otherworld Theatre Company, 3914 North Clark, (773)857-2116, otherworldtheatre.org, $30 with a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets at each performance. Through August 27.
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