Review Fix chats with director Kristin McCarthy Parker, who discusses her new production, “Puffs†and its current run at The Peoples Improv Theater through Jan 29.
About Puffs:
Some people are born to do great things. Some people change the world. Some people rise from humble beginnings to beat back the forces of darkness in the face of insurmountable odds. Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic & Magic is the story of the people who sit in class next to those people. And badgers.
Wayne Hopkins–a boy from New Mexico who is neither brave, smart, nor a snake–finds out he’s a wizard. Upon arrival at a certain school of magic and magic, he’s placed into the Puffs: a group of well meaning, loyal rejects. Over seven increasingly eventful years, he’ll try to learn magic; try to get out of the shadow of his world-famous nemesis; and try to not to get hurt in what is actually a very dangerous place for unsupervised children to be. Sometimes he will succeed. Partially.
For more on the production, click here.
Review Fix: How did you feel the first time you read Matt Cox’s script?
Kristin McCarthy Parker: Delighted and very eager to work on it! Matt’s writing is so smart, his jokes are on point, and his characters have such a strong emotional journey that you find yourself caring for these people leagues beyond the normal bounds of parody. I loved his concept of seeing this incredible, magical world through an unremarkable person’s eyes. From the get go Puffs was a great balance of celebrating and poking fun at the canon.
Review Fix: What has it been like to work with him?
Parker: Aside from having the most intuitive understanding of comedy, he’s also just the kindest person. He’s incredibly collaborative and responsive in the room and would go away immediately after to do rewrites. He’s also the sound designer on the show, so he basically didn’t stop throughout the whole process. It’s rare to meet someone that talented who’s also so humble and invested in everyone’s success in the group.
Review Fix: Bottom line, why should someone check out this production?
Parker: It’s absolute hilarity with a 1990s flair, set at a wizard school, starring a bunch of well-meaning losers. If that doesn’t do it for you, it’s 90 minutes long, there are handmade wands and magic tricks, a full bar in the lobby, and tix are only $10.
Review Fix: Who is your Wayne Hopkins? What makes them unique?
Parker: Wayne Hopkins is every underdog: Ringo, the borough of Queens, all of us who are striving for greatness and end up just being okay. I think, especially in NYC, we’ve all felt like we have great things to offer, but are continually overshadowed by someone with a brighter spark, a bigger reputation, or a little more luck. I suppose that’s pretty dark… but so is Wayne in a way.
Review Fix: How do you want it to be remembered?
Parker: As the parody that made you love the original even more.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Parker: Comedy-lovers, theatergoers, friends, dates, Moms… Really anyone who’s not averse to fun. It’s for fans and non-fans alike.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Parker: I’m shooting a short film in January and directing Colin Waitt’s play at Dixon Place in February, along with some other stuff in the works. But for the next couple weeks, I’m mostly eating and sleeping.
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