Valley Youth Theatre did not just put on Puffs. They leaned all the way into it. This production was chaotic in the best way, sharp when it needed to be, and unexpectedly sincere. It trusted the comedy, trusted the heart, and most importantly, trusted the weird.
For the uninitiated, Puffs follows seven increasingly dangerous years at a certain school of magic, but from the perspective of the kids in the house nobody writes songs about. While a famous boy wizard fights destiny in the background, the Puffs are just trying to survive Potions, pass finals, and maybe feel important for once. It is parody, yes, but it is also about friendship, insecurity, and what it means to grow up when you are not “the chosen one.”
James Nesbitt’s Wayne Hopkins was a perfect cringe teen in the most lovable way possible. He captured that desperate, awkward, trying-too-hard energy with painful accuracy. You could feel the audience rooting for him every time he stepped onstage. Wayne is easy to play as just pathetic. Nesbitt made him human. That is much harder and far more rewarding.
Lily Croxton’s Megan Jones absolutely nailed the edgy teen persona. Dry, unimpressed, and emotionally guarded, she delivered every sarcastic line with precision. What really stood out, though, was her arc. The softening felt earned. By the end, her growth did not feel like a gimmick. It felt honest.
Aiden Vidaurri as Oliver Rivers brought a nervous intensity that simmered just under the surface. Oliver is a tricky role. He has to be sympathetic and slightly unhinged at the same time. Vidaurri walked that line well, showing us a kid who wants so badly to matter that it starts to twist him.
Jaden Sparkman had the range of the night. His Cedric was delightfully sweet, the kind of Puff you want to protect at all costs. Then he flipped the switch and gave us a Mr. Voldy that was funnily uncomfy, hilarious but deeply icky in exactly the way it should be. It was uncomfortable in the way it should be.
Morgan James as the Narrator was wonderfully whimsical, guiding the chaos with an audiobook-worthy voice with smoothness that made even the most absurd moments feel intentional. The Narrator can easily become overwhelming, but James kept it controlled, playful, and sharp.
Zach Wallace’s pick-me Harry was exactly what the show needs him to be. Self-absorbed, dramatic, and just slightly too pleased with himself. It was a clever, committed performance that never overstayed its welcome.
The rest of the Puffs were a true ensemble. Jake Reifler as J. Finch, Ava Robb as Sally Perks, Parker Pitt as Leanne, and Caylee Brovitz as Hannah all leaned into their exaggerated personalities without losing the heart underneath. They were funny, loud, occasionally ridiculous, and still deeply sympathetic. You believed in this merry band of misfits.
The set, designed by Dori Brown, perfectly encapsulated the vibe of that very familiar magical boarding school without feeling like a knockoff. It had charm and theatricality, giving the actors space to play while keeping the world cohesive.
Costumes by Amelia Walsh added so much personality. Each Puff felt distinct, which matters in a show about a group that is constantly overlooked. The details did the storytelling work.
Lighting by Spencer Shaw was thoughtful and effective, especially in the darker moments. The tonal shifts were clear without being heavy-handed.
Under the direction of David Chorley, the show felt cohesive and confident. Comedy like this only works when everyone commits fully, and this cast absolutely did. The pacing was tight, the emotional beats landed, and the absurdity never spiraled into nonsense.
By the final bow, it was clear that this was more than just a parody. It was a celebration of the background characters, the loyal friends, the kids who are not destined for greatness but show up anyway. Valley Youth Theatre should be proud. This was smart, funny, and full of heart, which is exactly what Puffs deserves.