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Satire is a Wiz at Conjuring Laughs

Slightly risque ‘Puffs’ wraps up at MLT this weekend

By Staff Reports
The Tube City Almanac
October 16, 2025
Posted in: Entertainment

In a satire of a popular book and movie series, members of the Puffs house at a certain school of magic are entertaining McKeesport Little Theater audiences with stories of their trials and triumphs. (Submitted photo courtesy McKeesport Little Theater)

McKeesport Little Theater's current production promises to take audiences through “Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic” when “Puffs” takes to the stage for its final weekend beginning Friday (Oct. 17).

Written by Matt Cox, the play premiered in December 2015 at The People’s Improv Theater in New York City, and is recognized as a parody of the Harry Potter series — but PG-13 in nature.

Cox explained to a reporter that the idea of the play came to him on a subway ride one night, when he considered how terrifying it might have been for other students at magic school through seven years of trials and tribulations with a famous wizard in attendance.

So while “Puffs” is about student wizards, it focuses on an orphaned boy named Wayne Hopkins (Levi Poole), living with his uncle in New Mexico, when he is notified — by owl, of course — that he really is a wizard like his late parents and has been invited to attend a school of magic.

Upon arrival, protagonist Wayne joins his fellow students, who are sorted into houses. There are  Braves, Smarts, and Snakes, but he ends up with the Puffs.

MLT’s production of “Puffs” is directed by Brandon Keller, a theatre artist and director born and raised in Pittsburgh.

Aurora Rechichar is the narrator in “Puffs,” now at the McKeesport Little Theater. (Submitted photo courtesy McKeesport Little Theater)

As the narrator, Aurora Rechichar uses her storytelling skills — including some coarse humor — to reveal some back stories and provide insight into the cast.

The other characters include:

Oliver Rivers (Kaden Bowytz) — He’s an overchiever, particularly when it comes to math, except when it comes to magic. He had planned to enroll in a prestigious school of higher education at the tender age of 11 to study math, but ... Imagine his surprise when he discovered the magic school had no math classes. Can he adapt? Can he effect change?

Megan Jones (Mandy Eckenrode) — Known as Wayne’s bestie, she thinks she should have been a Snake. She also seeks approval from her imprisoned Death Buddy mother Xavia Jones.

Xavia Jones (Terri Davis) — A notorious Death Buddy trapped in a high security prison for mad magicians, her legacy haunts the school through threats of her estranged daughter.

Cedric & Voldy (Palmer Masciola) — MLT’s production continues the tradition of having the same actor play both roles. Cedric is the pride and joy of the Puffs with his charming personality, A-student status, and good looks that appeal to the ladies. But he's also charming as villain Voldy, where he mixes dastardly deeds with hilarity.

Sally Perks (Megan McGee) — Known for her love of sports, Sally is very cheerful and can be ditzy. The extremely near-sighted Puff is legally blind without her glasses, which she stubbornly refuses to wear at times. She also has a crush on Wayne and is a devoted friend to all in her house.

Susie Bones (Sarah Boyle) — Has a “doom and gloom” outlook on life and a fear of death, based on traumatic family events.

J. Finch Fletchley (Carmen Lopresti) — He aspires to be one of the “cool” students, with a special talent in herbology. Don’t count him out as he progresses through seven years of school.

Ernie Mac (Derek Fredrickson) — Confident and from a long line of Puffs, Ernie looks up to Cedric and is a big supporter of his housemates.

Leanne (Chelsea Conway) — Lovable, cheerful, enthusiastic Leanne is known for her positive attitude and as a friend to all.

Hannah (Jessi Freuden) — Can be socially awkward and shy, but seeks to fit in through her sweet personality.

Freelance writer Bonnijean Cooney Adams contributed to this report.

MLT “Puffs” cast and director

Levi Poole as Wayne Hopkins
Kaden Bowytz as Oliver Rivers
Mandy Eckenrode as Megan Jones
Aurora Rechichar as the Narrator
Derek Fredrickson as Ernie Mac
Jessi Freuden as Hannah
Carmen Lopresti as J. Finch Fletchley
Chelsea Conway as Leanne
Megan McGee as Sally Perks
Sarah Boyle as Susie Bones
Palmer Masciola as Cedric & Voldy
Terri Davis as Xavia Jones

Directed by Brandon Keller

Originally published October 16, 2025.

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