WOBT: "Puffs"

A hard-working ensemble of 11 actors [most of them in multiple roles] enliven Prattville's Way Off Broadway Theatre stage in Matt Cox's parody of the Harry Potter franchise titled Puffs: or seven increasingly eventful years at a certain school of magic and magic.

And though director Alex Rikerd's production can be appreciated by the uninitiated, a working knowledge of J. K. Rowling's books and the many films made of them would likely enhance the experience.

So...what is life like at a "certain school of magic" for a rag-tag group of misfits relegated to the "Puffs" house, where expectations are low and self-esteem even lower as Harry's triumphs beat them at every turn? -- In a word, for them it's a mess.

Cleverly narrated by Blair Berry, we follow the escapades of Oliver [Josh Williams], Wayne [Connor Carraway] and Megan [Brooke Brown] -- counterparts of Harry, Ron, and Hermione -- through the highlights of all seven books and an epilogue. -- There's a lot of clever dialogue, characterizations, and correspondences to the original, so there are no real surprises amidst the fun as audiences recognize the "beats" of the story. It just seems to go on for too long: two-and-a-half-hours including intermission.

Regardless, clever costumes and props add to the mix, and the ensemble are adept at the farcical elements [quick timing, physical energy, slamming doors, et al.]. Their broad characterizations elicit well-earned laughs and applause.

Millbrook: "The Immigrant"

The Fall Theatre Season got underway in the River Region with the Millbrook Community Players production of The Immigrant by Mark Harelik. -- It is a production whose themes ought to be noticed, especially in a world where suspicion and aggression against anyone perceived as "other" is all too common; but only a handful of audience members attended opening night.

Based on the true story of the playwright's grandfather, and accompanied by archival photos and period musical recordings [the screen in Millbrook is too small for audiences to get a full appreciation of visual content], this four-character story traces young Russian-Jewish immigrants Haskell and Leah Harelik [Kaden Blackburn and Millie Capouano] as they escape the pogroms in Russia to establish a new life in America: rural Baptist-Christian Texas of all places.

With the assistance of an older couple: banker Milton Perry [Roger Humber] and his wife Ima [Karla McGhee] -- hesitant at first, but gradually developing into a lasting friendship -- this foursome navigate language, cultural, and religious differences that eventually cement their relationship.

Along the way, and over many decades, we watch as all four characters touch one another's lives -- and ours as well. They are essentially good people whose actions invigorate the idea that cosmetic differences often highlight the qualities that make change possible: helping the downtrodden, recognizing shared values, generosity, family, and love. 

There are a few aggressive actions against the newcomers, though they are reported rather than presented on stage; so the focus remains on the positive side. -- And both couples learn from the other. As do we.

There are only a few performances of The Immigrant; it's worth the effort to get to Millbrook.