Centenary Theatre Program to present “Puffs” at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse April 11-14
SHREVEPORT, LA — The Centenary Theatre Program (CTP) closes its 2023-2024 season with a student-directed production of Puffs, or seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic and magic. Puffs, written by Matt Cox, provides audiences with a fresh, hilarious look at the world of Harry Potter from the perspective of some previously unknown “heroes.” CTP’s production of Puffs opens at Centenary’s Marjorie Lyons Playhouse on Thursday, April 11, at 7:30 p.m., followed by additional evening performances on April 12 and 13 and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 14. Tickets and more information are available at centenary.edu/mlptickets.
The New York Times praised Puffs as “a fast-paced romp” designed to delight those who “grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world.” The play shifts the focus to Hufflepuff, “everyone’s third favorite house,” and introduces audiences to Wayne Hopkins, a slightly less famous orphan boy wizard.
Centenary junior Channing Hall is directing CTP’s production of Puffs. Hall is a theatre major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
“Directing Puffs has been one of the most rewarding moments of my Centenary experience,” said Hall. “The source material is hilarious, and it’s elevated by the actors in every rehearsal. There are also incredibly tender and heartwarming moments that have come to life on stage. What inspires me the most about this production is the energy, passion, and talent that has been demonstrated on every single level.”
Puffs brings together the talents of current Centenary students, alumni, faculty, and staff as cast and crew members. The show is being produced by the Centenary Theatre Program’s Production IV class under theatre department chair Logan Sledge, with all of the students in the class filling key roles, including Hall as director. Other Production IV students are Mary Caruthers, serving as sound designer for Puffs; Theresa Johnson, working as head electrician alongside CTP professor Don Hooper and appearing as part of the cast; and AR Rossomando, heading up scenic design. Student Abbie Phelan has also made a notable contribution as lighting designer for Puffs.
“Puffs is not a show that can be pulled together in the final hour, and everyone in this production knows that,” explained Hall. “Every design element has been carefully chosen to create a bright, nostalgic, and hopeful environment. The cast has gone above and beyond, dedicating the time to develop each one of their characters, even if they are only making a brief appearance. The stage management team has been incredibly supportive, and their work is emblematic of the skill that Centenary Theatre Program can produce. I am so proud of the work that has been put into this show, and I know that audiences will be as well!”
Tickets for Puffs are available at centenary.edu/mlptickets. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for military personnel and senior citizens, and $10 for students.