SJS News

On November 8 and 9, the SJS Mummers’ Society presented this year’s fall play, Puffs, Or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. This satirical play is a delightful Harry Potter spinoff that tells the story of the Hogwarts years as experienced by the Hufflepuffs, the least respected of the school’s four houses. Written by Matt Cox, the play is not sanctioned by author J.K. Rowling, so the audience heard similar wizarding names and phrases (like “Sports!” for Quidditch or Voldy for Lord Voldemort). Whether you’re a Harry Potter fan or not, the play was hilarious, heartwarming, and magical.

Puffs is dedicated to “everyone not destined to save the world,” and centers on Wayne Hopkins (played by Murray Brauner '26) who is orphaned as an infant, grows up in New Mexico, is surprised, like Harry, to learn he’s a wizard. 

"What I liked about playing Wayne was that as I played his character, I was able to experience the character growth he had as a person throughout the show," Murray said.

Wayne’s time at Hogwarts overlaps with the most famous Puff, Cedric Diggory (played by Leighton Cheuk ’25). In addition to Cedric, Leighton also played a notorious potions professor and Voldy.

“My favorite major role I played was the one and only Cedric as I admired his optimistic outlook on life and desire to lead the Puffs into greatness,” Leighton said. “It's a quality I wish to possess much more of and was extremely happy to get the chance to try to embody the character on stage.”

Harry (played by Lulit Semagne '25) makes several appearances, but it’s Wayne, Oliver (a math nerd who’s not so great at magic; played by Harry Imarhiagbe ’25), and Megan (who wishes she was in Slytherin; played by Val Zumbrun ’25) who have to work together to save the day. 

The magic of the play was enhanced by the new lighting and sound system installed in Kellam Auditorium. Director Nicole Ruark said this was by far the most intricate show she has ever directed.

“From the use of magic to the 380+ sound cues to 8-second costume changes and the nine pages of props, Puffs required the ultimate teamwork and cooperation,” she said. “Our cast and crew were fantastic. They were the real magic that made it all come together beautifully.”

Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on a truly magical production!

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