Wands at the ready! The ensemble of Yuba College Theatre’s Puffs strikes a heroic pose ahead of opening night. This fast-paced parody is packed with magical mayhem, heartfelt moments and inside jokes for fans of a certain famous boy wizard. Photo Courtesy of James Gilbreath

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - Magic, mayhem and plenty of laughs are brewing over at Yuba College Theatre this month as director James Gilbreath and his ensemble cast prepare to open Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic by Matt Cox. This fast-paced parody reimagines life at a very familiar wizarding school — but through the eyes of the misfit house that never quite got the spotlight.

Performances will take place in the Yuba College Theatre, located at 2088 N Beale Rd (Building 400) in Marysville. The show opens Friday, Oct. 18, with additional evening performances on Oct. 23, 24, 25, 30, and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Matinee shows run on Sundays, Oct. 19 and 26 and Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. Parking is free, and tickets are available by donation at the door, making this a perfect opportunity for local families, students and fantasy fans to enjoy a clever night at the theatre.

Cast members of Puffs share a group hug during rehearsal for Yuba College Theatre’s upcoming production, which opens Oct. 18. The play follows the underdog students of a certain magical school as they navigate seven chaotic years of wizardry, friendship, and near-death experiences — with plenty of laughs along the way. Photo Courtesy of James Gilbreath

Originally written for adult and teen audiences, “Puffs” carries a light PG-12 rating. Expect some mild profanity, cheeky innuendo and stylized moments of fantasy violence and emotional depth, though always with a healthy dose of satire. Think quick costume changes, sudden lighting cues and exaggerated magical chaos. At its core, though, this is a story about friendship, finding yourself, and what it means to matter — even if you're not “the chosen one.”

Yuba College STEM student Willow Telford plays a trio of roles — including the Narrator, the infamous Harry and the formidable Xavia Jones — and says the heart of the show is what drew her in.

“I hadn't done theater since middle school, but I saw the flyer for the audition and took the opportunity because I have so much fun with acting in the past,” said Telford. “The play is a parody of a certain magical world with a chosen boy wizard, and is the untold story of the side characters... It turns the hero story on its head in a really clever way that says something really important about the real world and real people, while staying in this very fun, magical world.”

Yuba College theatre veteran Cloe Jarvis, who portrays both Leanne (a bright-eyed Puff) and Bippy the house elf, emphasized the cast’s camaraderie.

The cast of Puffs raises their yellow flags in proud Puff spirit during a joyful scene from the show. Described by cast as “witty and hilarious,” the play runs Oct. 18–Nov. 2 at the Yuba College Theatre and is open to the public by donation. Photo Courtesy of James Gilbreath

“This play has really been a highlight of my life. With performing, it really is a fun environment to be around all of these talented actors,” said Jarvis. “Whether you understand the story or have no idea what's going on at all, it will still be insanely enjoyable for whoever decides to come watch it.”

Rounding out the central trio is Aeden DeMeritt, who stars as Wayne — the earnest underdog who just wants to be a hero, if only that one guy named Harry would stop hogging the spotlight.

“I’ve been acting since I was very young, and this is by far the most fun I’ve had working on a show,” said DeMeritt. “Plenty of jokes for wizards and muggles alike. Come join us for a fun time full of laughter.”

With rapid-fire jokes, magical mishaps, and a whole lot of heart, “Puffs” is a celebration of those who didn’t save the world — but were there the whole time, trying their best. It’s the ultimate underdog story with enough charm and chaos to win over even the most skeptical Muggle.

Follow along for updates and behind-the-scenes fun at facebook.com/yubacollegetheatre, yubalive.com, and on Instagram at @yubacollegetheatre.