On November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, the SHS Drama Club brought magic, humor, and a new perspective to the stage with its fall play, Puffs. The show, a parody of the well-known wizarding franchise, flips the classic “hero’s journey” by spotlighting the students who are usually overlooked: the Puffs.
The story follows Wayne Hopkins, an ordinary kid who discovers he’s a wizard and suddenly finds himself facing seven unpredictable, chaotic years at school. Instead of being the chosen one, Wayne and his friends–Oliver Rivers and Megan Jones–end up with the Puffs, a loyal, hopeful, and often hilariously unlucky group just trying to make it through the harsh realities of school. Experiencing the well-known events from the Puffs’ perspective offered the audience a clever and refreshing twist on a story they already knew.
Among the supporting cast who helped bring the world of the play to life was SHS senior Anastasia “Goose” Afanasenko, who played Sally Perkins. Although a side character, Afansenko added energy and humor to the Puffs ensemble, and her performance contributed to the overall charm and fast-paced comedy of the show. Afanasenko has become a familiar face in SHS theatre, appearing in both plays and musicals, including last year’s Curious Savage.
While the show’s cast stepped into the spotlight, the backstage crew quietly powered the entire production. From smooth scene transitions to timing technical effects, they let the magical atmosphere come alive. Along with the immersive set designs, the crew played a crucial role in shaping Puffs into one of the Drama Club’s most vibrant shows yet. The cast and crew worked seamlessly together, balancing goofy humor with moments of sincerity. Even audience members unfamiliar with the original wizarding series were able to enjoy the quick pacing, layered jokes–as well as the creativity of the performance.
What made Puffs especially memorable was its celebration of the students who rarely get the spotlight. Every ensemble member contributed something unique, reminding the audience that even the background characters have stories worth telling. Puffs was more than a parody–it was a lively and heartfelt tribute to the underdogs. By the final scene, the audience wasn’t just laughing–they were cheering for the Puffs. If this show is any indication of what’s ahead, the SHS stage will continue delivering immersive sets, standout performances, and productions fueled by teamwork and passion.
The SHS Drama Club will present its spring musical, Pippin, on Friday, March 6th, and Saturday, March 7th, at 7:00 PM, as well as Sunday, March 8th, at 2:00 PM in the Performing Arts Center.
Pippin is a wacky musical that will keep the audience engaged throughout the performance. The incredible storyline centers on a show within a show: A prince (Pippin), played by SHS senior Aidan Campbell, seeks the meaning of life. This leads the Leading Player, played by sophomore Piper Levirne, to take him through all the possibilities in life so he can find something truly fulfilling for himself.
SHS senior Autumn Levirne, a member of the ensemble and a featured dancer, explained what sets SHS drama productions apart: “I’ve performed in every single show SHS has done in my four years, so I can say for certain that passion is what makes these shows so incredibly special. From actors, to stage managers, to techies, the amount of care and love placed into every single detail makes each performance an absolute joy to experience.”