“PUFFS” character Wayne Hopkins is played by Matthew Cross.
By: Mary Genson | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published October 9, 2024
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Harry Potter fans will want to see “PUFFS” performed by St. Dunstan’s Theatre Guild Oct. 11-26.
“PUFFS” is an unlicensed parody of Harry Potter, and while fans of the series will recognize familiar aspects of the series that they know and love, the play avoids copyright infringement by not saying certain words and phrases.
“I just love the little tiny references that they make throughout the show that really plays off elements from the books and the movies, and I think it helps the show relate to the giant fan base that this world has, and there’s kind of something for everybody in it,” Director Kevin Fitzhenry said.
Instead of revolving around Harry, Ron and Hermione, “PUFFS” follows the story of Wayne, Oliver and Megan. And instead of being students at Hogwarts, they attend “a Certain School of Magic and Magic.”
“If you are a fan of the books, there are things in it that you are going to recognize and love. If you’re a fan of the movies, there are things that you’re going to recognize and love. If you hate the books and hate the movies, there are things you’re going to watch that you are going to love because they make fun of it,” Fitzhenry said.
The play was developed by an improv group, and each show is a little different.
“It is very cleverly written, where the author, Matt Cox, who is a great writer, gives a lot of different options for the actors in certain scenes,” Fitzhenry said.
Actor Paul Dorset is the only character who gets to ad lib an entire scene of the show. In the scene, Dorset gets to make something up each night, and the rest of the cast has to go with it.
“It’s fun when I get to go onstage and improvise and try to get them (the cast) to laugh and break character as much as possible,” Dorset said.
Dorset plays several characters in the show. Among them are J. Finch, Uncle Dave and A Fat Friar.
Due to adult language and content, parental discretion is advised. This is important to keep in mind, since the Harry Potter fandom is filled with people of all ages.
“It’s a comedy, yes; it’s a parody, yes. It makes you laugh out loud a lot,” Fitzhenry said. “But there’s a certain heart to the show as well, and some of those tender moments are just fun to watch as a director.”
Shows are at 8 p.m. Oct. 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26, and at 2 p.m. Oct. 13 and 20 at St. Dunstan’s Theatre, 400 Lone Pine in Bloomfield Hills.
Tickets can be purchased online at stdunstanstheatre.com/tickets or at the ticket counter on the day of the show. Tickets cost between $20 and $23. There is a $3 service fee when purchased online.
Visit stdunstanstheatre.com or email tickets@stdunstanstheatre.com for more information.