University Theatre concludes season with comedic retelling of “Harry Potter” novels
March 25, 2022
YSU’s University Theatre will conclude its 2021-22 season with a comedic retelling of J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter” novels titled “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.” Shows will be held April 1 – 3 and 8 – 10, 2022 at the YSU Ford Theater, located in YSU’s Bliss Hall.
“After a global pandemic and recent world events, we deserve a chance to unwind [and] an opportunity to laugh alongside others as we see the humor in ourselves,” director Todd Dicken said. “This may explain why I was drawn to a spoof of that famous series of books and movies about wizards, magic, villains, and youthful heroes. [The show is] a tongue-in-cheek revisionist tale that focuses on the loyal, supporting cast, the overlooked social outcasts, the losers. . . the Puffs.”
The play, written by New York-based playwright Matt Cox, premiered in 2015 at the off-off-Broadway theater The People’s Improv Theater. It moved to off-Broadway in 2016 and was nominated for the Off Broadway Alliance Award for best unique theatrical experience in 2017.
Cast members include Elise Vargo, Westerville, Ohio; Samantha Gurd, Poland, Ohio; Mallory Erhart, Antwerp, Ohio; Mitchell Sharp, Beloit, Ohio; Aidan Holderfield, Alliance, Ohio; Nicholas Figiel, Greenville, Pennsylvania; Amberlynn Zuccarell, Toledo, Ohio; Gunnar Carwile, Hicksville, Ohio; Dalton Dykes, Youngstown, Ohio; Hunter Lombard, Austintown, Ohio; and Cyrus Dzikowski, Canfield, Ohio.
Student Meredith Pallo of Sharpsville, Pennsylvania is responsible for sound design. Professional staff includes production manager and technical director Ryan Fitzpatrick; costume, wig, and makeup designer Katherine Garlick; and lighting designer James Oakry.
Middle school and high school teachers are encouraged to bring student groups to see the show. Special pricing, assistance with group parking, and reserved seating is available.
Adult tickets for the show are $16. Special rate tickets are $8 for non-YSU students, YSU faculty and staff with a valid ID, YSU alumni, senior citizens, Penguin Club members, and groups of eight (8) or more. YSU student tickets are free with a valid ID. Tickets can be purchased by calling 330-941-3105 or visiting www.ysu.tix.com.