Puffs
at El Dorado

Reviewed on November 16, 2019

Emma Harline
San Clemente
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies

A "Puff"ect Parody
written by Emma Harline, a junior at San Clemente High School

El Dorado High School's rendition of Puffs plays with the magic of misfits, re-telling one of the most beloved children's series from the perspective of the perennially overlooked.

Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, parodies the Harry Potter series through the lens of the Puffs, the ones who didn't make the cut into the more specialized--and more respected--houses (Smarts, Braves, or Snakes). Instead of the well-known Harry, Ron, and Hermione, this story follows Wayne Hopkins (Gavin Hamze), Oliver Rivers (Joey Miranda), and Megan Jones (Jennifer Chau), three Puffs who, it seems, are just trying their best.

Gavin Hamze gives depth to Wayne Hopkins, an impressive feat considering the humorous content material. Hamze not only captures the blundering lovability of Hopkins with an eager gait and goofy smiles galore, but he manages to address the pain of the forgotten with just a dash of seriousness to counteract the silliness through strategically timed stillness.

Ensemble member Zach Palmer keeps the mood light as a feather with his hilarious cameos as various teachers and/or ghosts. The impressively varied British accents make him easy to distinguish, and the comedic timing of his brief appearances is impeccable.

The real charm of Puffs lies in the chemistry of the Puffs themselves. Their physicalities unite them through their unapologetic uniqueness, whether it's a pitiful attempt at 90s dancing (the sprinkler was not intended to be a difficult move!) or an elated "HI!!!" at every passing person, the ensemble embodies the essence of Puffs: wonderfully wacky and surprisingly well-developed.

Props to the props crew (Kira Ayala, Ashley Jones, Jessa Laboissonniere, Jordyn Murray, Gabrielle Grijalva) for creativity--many props are essential to the overall comedy of the show. From hand-made wands to magically appearing birds to beloved characters played by mops and wigs (Ron and Hermione, we knew ye not), the props undeniably adds to the magic.

Stage Manager Blake Berggren takes on a staggering amount of light and sound cues with poise and (dare I say it?) perfection. The well-timed sound cues during the fight scene make a potentially cheesy moment magical, with spells and kicks matching their cues seemingly effortlessly.

Puffs endearingly promotes pride in being plain, celebrating the seemingly unimportant and giving limelight to the otherwise overlooked.

Brittany Fisheli
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

El Dorado High School Puffs tells us the story of the weirdest, laughable, magical group, The Puffs
written by Brittany Fisheli, a junior at Fullerton Union High School

At the Certain School of Magic and Magic, we have the Snakes, The Smarts, The Braves, but this story doesn't revolve around them. This story is about The Puffs who finally get their moment in the sun. Being known as a Puff means you will be the weird, awkward, funny kid that no one takes seriously. But Wayne, Oliver, Megan, and The Puffs are here to change that!

Wayne Hopkins (portrayed by Gavin Hamze) had the audience laughing throughout the whole show! Hamze showed the growth of Wayne as the story kept progressing. Starting as a little kid in this magical school to being a full grown teenager at the end of the story. The way he talks and the way he moves shows the audience the growth of the character. Hamze starts Wayne as a little kid who is immature and very hesitant, but later in the story he becomes more independent and confident.

Oliver Rivers (portrayed by Joey Miranda) and Megan Jones (portrayed by Jennifer Chau) had a strong connection with one another that the audience fell in love with instantly. Chau played Megan as a strong individual who doesn't need no friends by her side, but Oliver was there to change that. Miranda played Oliver as the nerdy and loving guy who the audience will fall in love with, and soon Megan will fall in love with. When Oliver and Megan come together, Chau till plays Megan as the independent goth, but now has a soft spot that we all enjoy.

Aimee Asch and Jordyn Murray (Costume Designers) made every single character unique in their own way. Their socks were mismatched, everyone's shirts were different colors, and they had accessories that made each character who they were. To represent The Puffs, they had them wear yellow capes. Ashley Jones, Sophia Scarsi, ans Dayla Jaridly (Hair and Makeup Designers) brought the beauty of the 90s into this show. Using scrunchies, eyeshadows, glitter, and lipstick, they brought the characters to life. With Megan Jones makeup, they had her eyeshadow and lipstick darker than everyone else's makeup. It made her character pop out as the goth girl.

El Dorado High School's production of Puffs will have you loving The Puffs and laughing all night long.

Mark Rojo
Fullerton Union
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

PUFFS at El Dorado illustrates the story of a hero
written by Mark Rojo, a senior at Fullerton Union High School

The story of PUFFS consists of magic, friendship and the magic of friendship. The play sheds light to a familiar franchise, but this time through the lens of three junior members attempting to endure the wonders of wizardry. Through a course of beautiful scenery and strong character development, El Dorado High captures brilliance on stage.

Jennifer Chau who plays Megan Jones, the anti-puff goth, shows immense character development as the show progresses as she originally portrays a dark figure but grows to accept herself as a Puff. Her words are crisp and timed to perfection for comedic relief. Jennifer Chau's physicality is vastly appreciated as it adds to her characterization and the chaotic intensity of the show.

The set, designed by Carly Hinson and Belle Cotter, is quite detailed and aesthetically pleasing to the naked eye. The aspect of the sliding door and its multiple purposes shows a sense of thoughtfulness in the design as it is acts as both a mythical mirror and as a way to introduce epic entrances. The distinction between the four different houses-- smarts, braves, snakes, and puffs-- is remarkable in how they associate each one with a certain color to further allude to the Potter series.

Publicity and program design by Jessa Laboissonniere is simply outstanding. Publicity sold wands outside as merchandise for audience members to buy which is a nice touch as it brings the audience closer to the show. Publicity also cleverly made sure to draw in a wider audience from their school by turning attendance of the show into a class competition. The program itself is like a yearbook as it has the character's names signed into "Wayne Hopkin's" yearbook. It makes the program that much more personalized and detailed.

Blake Berggren's stage management skills are highly impressive. Berggren is in charge of calling the 600 sound cues and 300 lighting cues and timing them perfectly to be in sync with the character's movements about the stage. The stage management is, therefore, very organized and deserves to be praised for the great amount of precision and diligence that the role of the stage manager must endure.

El Dorado gives an exciting, yet heartwarming adventure of magic and enchantment that will keep you on the edge of your seat in their production of PUFFS.