Riverside Theatre for Kids announces performances of the comedic family play by Matt Cox, PUFFS. Performances take place June 23-24, 2021 on the Stark Stage.
For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs…who just happened to be there too. This is a tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.
“Our Senior Academy production of PUFFS is a hysterical and heartfelt exploration of a young wizard’s tale from a very different point of view,” said Kevin Quillinan, Director of Theatre Education and Director of this production. “Emphasizing the need for community in the midst of extreme challenges, this show could not be more relevant to today.”
This clever and inventive play gives audiences a new look at a familiar adventure. The story is from the perspective of three potential heroes just trying to make it through a magic school that proves to be very dangerous for children. Alongside them are the Puffs, a group of well-meaning, loyal outsiders with a thing for badgers. Their funny and epic journey takes the classic story to new places and reimagines what a boy wizard hero can be.
“I am very happy to be getting closer to normal again by offering a fully in-person three week camp again,” said Mr. Quillinan. “Our new Performance Academy format has been very successful, as we incorporate technique classes in dance, music, and drama in the mornings while we rehearse a fully produced show in the afternoon. I am so very humbled to get to work with so many talented young performers as we get back to doing the things we cherish so much!”
The cast features: Jacqueline Anding, Cristal Aparicio, Audrey Baudek, Brooke Billings, David Calahan, Timothy Cicco, Jackson Colontrelle, Yolanie Aileen Diaz, Giselle Fernandez, Kristina Gregg, Kira Kimes, Avery Kissam, Amelia Lewis, Catie Lincoln, Sasha Martell, Kendall Mecca, Brieyana Miranda, Kaitlin Simmons, Connor Stanford, and Chantal Elyse Werner.
Directed by Kevin Quillinan, the creative team includes: Deborah Quillinan (Music Director), Emily Luongo (Scenic Design), Anna Hillbery (Costume & Wig Design), William Gibbons-Brown (Lighting Design), Lorraine Rhoden (Sound Design), Dan Kondas (Stage Manager) and Amy Bowman (Assistant Stage Manager).
The original production of the play premiered at The People’s Improv Theater on December 3, 2015. It moved to the Off-Broadway theater New World Stages in 2016 and was nominated for the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for “Best Unique Theatrical Experience” in 2017. The show has had productions in Canada and Australia and has been praised for its comedy and staging.
Performances of PUFFS are Friday, June 23rd at 6:30pm; and Saturday, June 24th at 2pm & 6:30pm.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 772-231-6990 or online at www.RiversideTheatre.com.
Riverside Theatre
Originally built in 1973 on a 54-acre tract of land designated by the city of Vero Beach as a cultural park, Riverside Theatre, the largest professional theatre in a small town in America, was erected with funds solely raised from private donations. Riverside Theatre produces Broadway musicals, contemporary plays, and children’s theatre on three stages. Riverside Theatre serves Florida’s entire Treasure and Space Coast with over 100,000 patrons and students using the facilities annually. Riverside Theatre programs are sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Riverside Theatre is a member of the Cultural Council of Indian River County, the Indian River Chamber of Commerce, and the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce.
