Prepare for an enchanting evening filled with laughter and magic as Howell High School’s Performing Arts Department proudly presents “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.”
This hilarious parody of a familiar wizarding tale is set to hit the stage of the Rod Bushey Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Grand River Ave. in Howell. Perofrmances are set for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3 and 4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors, and can be purchased at the door or online at https://howellperformingarts.ludus.com.
“Puffs” is a hilarious parody of a familiar story about a boy wizard and the school of magic he attends. In the play, three potential heroes — Wayne (Nathan Hull), Oliver (Dane Calnicean), and Megan (Delaney Day) — are trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. Their epic quest takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.
“We are excited to take the audience on a magical and hilarious journey with ‘Puffs,’ a parody of a story about a boy wizard many are familiar with. The play is a fresh look at the wizarding world so many know and love,” said Amanda Malo, Howell High “Puffs” director. “The magic of ‘Puffs’ will transport the audience to a world of laughter and wonder.”
Meet some of the cast of “Puffs”:
Moss Schrock, 17
Parents: Jason and Hollie Schrock
Siblings: Jonah, Alaina, and Julia Schrock
Year In School: 12th
Activities: Theatre, TV/Video Production
Hobbies: Theatre, Video making, Videogames and Visual Media
Future Plans: Going into theater or film production
How did you get involved with the production?
I’ve been working on it for the past year after Malo offered me the opportunity to Co-Direct
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
Yes, Michael, Billy, and David in the play The Dining Room. Jack in the BlackBox Jack vs Jill, and I was in the ensemble for Mamma Mia. I was the Crew Chief for a Midsummer Night’s Dream and Radium Girls. I was also a co-director for Radium Girls.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
The amazing cast that makes sure I end my day on a bright note.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
Ms Malo is my biggest inspiration currently, with how much she can get done so quickly, but I do know that it all comes with time and experience.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
Growing as a leader
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
To laugh throughout the entire show, to cry with us. and to be blown away by the cast.
Myla Limbers, 17
Parents Names: Jodi and Matthew Limbers
Siblings: Arlo and Elliott Limbers
Year In School: 12
Activities: International thespian society, Barista, Local open mics
Hobbies: Playing guitar, singing, working on music, hanging out with all my favorite people!
Future Plans: Getting a music industry degree and becoming a rock star
How did you get involved with the production?
I’m an advanced drama student and love the Howell High School performing arts department so I was excited to give the main stage plays a try!
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
Last year I was Damian in the Black Box production (All Good Things, written and directed by Brett Lee), I have also been in many community theater productions both acting and directing.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I have loved getting to know so many wonderful people better, everyone comes into every rehearsal with such great energy making it a super fun environment!
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
All my friends and family have been incredibly supportive and inspirational. I am so very inspired by those who pursue what they’re passionate about, especially my brother Arlo. At only 15 years old, he has already premiered his first short film in a theater with a live audience, he never stops chasing after his dreams!
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I love watching the show come together and seeing how proud we all are of what we’ve done. Everyone cares so much about putting effort and dedication into the production so when we reach a milestone point and get to perform a scene with such fluency, watching us all be so proud of ourselves and each other is super rewarding.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
A magical time jam packed with friendship, heroism, and badgers!
Nathan Hull, 17
Parents Names: Gary and Cassandra Hull
Siblings: Nelson and Norah Hull
Year In School: 12th
Activities: drama, sports, and puffs
Hobbies: working out, hanging with friends, and hangout with my girlfriend, and my family
Future Plans: going into ministry and becoming a pastor
How did you get involved with the production?
Well Malo told me about it last year and I was gonna quit football and I was like gotta fill in my time somehow
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I started theater when I was I’ve been in multiple plays and roles. The two best roles I’ve played were King Azaz from the Phantom Tollbooth and Stump the Grump from The Magic Tree House.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
The people I’m surrounded by are so amazing. Everybody is so nice and thoughtful. One of the most friendly people I’ve met had to be Seb. Seb is so amazing and thoughtful. Always comes with a smile and just gets the job done definitely the definition of a Puff
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
God is one of my inspirations I will never be like him whatsoever and never come close but when he came to earth he lived a perfect life and died for our sins for the most imperfect people ever
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
The lines I have and the people
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect to laugh and the Puffs are about to knock their socks off
Zane Phillips, 17
Parents Names: Jason Phillips, Melissa Sims, Lynn Philllips, Jeremie Sims
Siblings: Nate Fosyth-Orr, Izzy, Ellliot and Oliver Phillips, and Cerenity Sims
Year In School: Senior
Activities: Marching Band, Highlander Chorale, International Thespian Society, and Spanish Honors Society
Hobbies: Musical Theater, Trumpet Playing, Juggling, Board Game Playing, and Coin Collecting
Future Plans: Studying Finance and Musical Theater most likely at Eastern Michigan University
How did you get involved with the production?
I got involved with this production over this past summer when I was offered the role of an assistant director, since I wanted to learn more about the off-stage aspects of theater.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
This will be the 10th show I have worked on, six I acted in, and four in backstage roles. Most notably I played Dr. Von Sochocky in Radium Girls at HHS, Co-Stage Managed Murder on the Orient Express at CTH, and was a Spotlight Operator for the Encore Musical Theater Company
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love seeing the show grow throughout the rehearsal process. You start to see people making choices and add their own to each character and as we add other technical aspects the show comes together to create a whole new world for the audience
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My acting inspiration is Robin Williams since he was such a big profound comic and was a very good actor who encapsulated all his roles. My life inspiration is my dad because I have seen how hard he works with everything he does and he inspires me to do better
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite part of the experience is meeting new people and growing bonds with these people throughout the time in rehearsal and during the show. A lot of people who I have met from theater have grown into some of my best friends
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
Audience members can expect to be transported to a new magic school jam packed with laughter, fun, and thrill in an immersive theatrical experience
Hayden Lee, 17
Parents: Jennifer Bisio, Thomas Bisio, and Todd Lee
Siblings: Grant Lee, Lou Bisio, and Isabella Bisio
Year In School: 12th
Activities: Calamity, Highlander Chorale, A Capella, New Group, Advanced Drama, International Thespian Society, and Senior Culinary Arts and Hospitality
Hobbies: Gaming, Singing, Cooking, and Sleeping
Future Plans: Attend Culinary College and later obtain a stable job like an Executive Chef
How did you get involved with the production?
I auditioned since I heard from others that it would be a super fun project, plus I just love acting in general.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
Yes, Mamma Mia the musical last year, I was in the ensemble.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love the humor and bonds that form around acting in a large group, plus it allows me to be more open artistically and emotionally.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My biggest inspirations are mostly my teachers, Mr. Closz, Mrs. Malo, and Chef Walker, since I spend so much time with them and they’ve taught me a lot more than just the subject they teach.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
Probably the costumes, also the structure and routine that forms once everyone is really comfortable with the show.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
An absolute blast, intriguing set and costume design, high energy acting, with some unexpected twists of emotion. Mostly just J. Finch being awesome though.
Isabella Kalakay, 17
Parents: Danielle Kalakay and Derek Kalakay
Siblings: Emerson Kalakay
Year In School: 12th
Activities: Acapella, Highlander Carole, New group
Hobbies: Reading, watching tv, sleeping, biking and weightlifting
Future Plans: Not sure yet, planning to attending Grand Valley, might do something in Psychology
How did you get involved with the production?
I heard about it through Malo from my Poetry class from last year, I was really nervous but always wanted to be involved in the theater community and knew because it was my last year I probably should do it
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I was in Tarzan in the 6th grade, I was one of the gorillas, but other than that I’ve never been in other productions
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
I love the great welcoming environment, everyone here is just so funny and I just love working with everyone and building myself in theater and how I act and convey my emotions
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My teachers, Malo and Closz. They both push me so much and always make me feel so welcomed and appreciated, they make me believe I can do anything and I wouldn’t be in this play without their support and guidance
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
My favorite thing about the experience is just the little family we’ve made, were just all so silly and funny and I just enjoy being in this play so much
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They can expect hilarious scenes, amazing people who spent so much time working on this, and tears, a lot of tears. They will be blown away by all the work we done. It’s gonna be a play no one will forget
Nele Oswald, 15
Parents: Brit and Joerg Oswald
Siblings: Tom and Paul Oswald
Year In School: 12
Hobbies: singing, acting, dancing and crocheting
Future Plans: Either medicine or something connected to the performing arts
How did you get involved with the production?
I first heard about it through Ms. Malo in my Drama class. I really wanted to continue my hobby during my exchange year, so I decided to audition.
Have you been in any other theatrical productions? If so, what roles did you play?
I have been in plenty. Most of them were self-written by my old musical theater company, so they are not known by others. But I have been cast as Oliver Twist and Oberon before.
What do you most enjoy about being part of the production?
Definitely getting to be part of this amazing cast. They welcomed me immediately as part of their group and they make going to rehearsal so fun.
Who is/are your inspiration(s)? Why?
My parents. They were the ones to introduce me to theater and changed my life by that. They always support me, no matter how far away my decisions take me from them. I really appreciate their trust in me.
What’s your favorite part of the experience of being in the production?
I feel like the whole cast has grown as actors and I really love seeing everyone in rehearsal try something new and grow with their character.
What can audience members expect when they see the show?
They will see a hilarious show, with an awesome set and costumes. They get to watch really interesting characters living through these seven years of school. Overall, they’ll see the product of hard work of our directors, the cast and crew.
