On November 7th, 8th, and 9th, the fall play PUFFS! opened at Agoura High School. The show was directed by Mr David Krassner, assistant directed by Bayley Tanenbaum, technically directed by Mr. Jakob Berger, costumes were designed by Ms. Ciara Cruz, lighting was designed by Mr. Tom Snyder, and set, video, sound, and music were designed by Mr. Malick Ceesay.
The story follows a young boy, Wayne Hopkins, who finds himself taken from his normal life into a certain magical school of witchcraft and wizardry. He is sorted into the Puffs house, the forgotten, friendly kids at school who are just there. For seven eventful years, Hopkins and the Puffs navigate their wizarding experience, make friends, and stick together until the very end.
A success, the production nearly sold out every night it was open. The show marks the second consecutive comedy fall play put on at AHS, after last year’s production of Shakespeare’s famous A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The show marks the first theatrical production done under a new Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) district-wide policy, where the school productions and concerts are funded by the district and PAEC, rather than a separate AHS production account.
In his director notes, Mr. Krassner explains his goals in choosing to direct PUFFS!, “It’s always important our students know that their voice matters, whether it’s acknowledged or not. They are all heroes for tackling this wonderful and insightful comedy, which was a joy to help create every day.”
PUFFS! kicks off an exciting season for the theater department, who are getting ready to start on the next show, the student-directed The Diary of Anne Frank, which will be directed by Bayley Tanenbaum. The show opens January 16th through the 18th and will continue a long and beloved student-directed tradition at AHS that has been ongoing since 2006. It will then be followed by the largest event for the department, the spring musical 42nd Street, which will open April 1st through the 5th.
