Southeastern's Columbia Theatre to present Puffs
Monday, March 7, 2022 
by: Tonya Lowentritt
HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing
Arts and Southeastern Theatre have combined forces to present Matt Cox’s smash hit
Off-Broadway comedy “Puffs or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School
of Magic and Magic.”
Directed by Columbia Theatre Artistic Director Jim Winter, the production is
scheduled in the downtown Hammond theatre on March 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, and 26 at 7
p.m. and March 13 and 20 at 2 p.m.
When describing the production, Winter said that although it is related to a
certain boy wizard in a certain wizard school, it is not his story. Rather, it is
the story of the Puffs, who just happened to be there too.
“This incredible cast, ages eight to 23, will have you rolling in the aisles,”
he said.
Cast members include Nico Arcuri of Killian as Wayne Hopkins, Louis Mangiaracina
of Ponchatoula as Oliver Rivers, Hannah Diaz of Covington as Megan Jones, Lauren Price
of Denham Springs as Narrator, Noah Weeg of Ponchatoula as Ernie Mac, Abby Richardson
of Hammond as Hannah, Dylan Michelli of Ponchatoula as J. Finch, Harper Jacobs of
Amite as Leanne, Ashtyn Monistere of Livingston as Sally Perks, Morgan Matheny of
Hammond as Susie Bones, and Corey Saltaformaggio of Hammond as Cedric and Mr. Voldy.
Additional cast members include Alex Owens of Phoenix City, Ala., as Very Tall
Man, Seamus, Potions Teacher, Professor Turban, Ghost History Teach, Professor Locky,
Mr. Nick, Sal, 2nd Headmaster, and Real Moody; Logan Watts of Walker as Viktor, Mr.
Bagman, and Zach Smith; Mya Mire of St. Amant as Ginny, Helga, Frenchy, and Scropius;
Amy Schneida of Springfield as 1st Headmaster, Professor McG, Professor Sprouty, Xavia
Jones, Professor Lanny, Runes Teach, and Ms. Babble; Ava Greichgauer of Springfield
as Hermeone, Blondo Malfoy, Rowena, Rita Scooter, and Bippy; Carter Cortez of Hammond
as Harry, Colin, Hermeone #2, Ric Gryff and Myrtle; and Owen Waguespack of Denham
Springs as The DJ.
Ticket prices are $25 for adults, $15 for students, and are available at the
Columbia Theatre box office, located at 220 E. Thomas Street in downtown Hammond,
or by calling 985-543-4371. Tickets are also available online at columbiatheatre.org.
“Tickets for Southeastern students are free but only available on-site on the
days and nights of the performances,” Winter added. “We are also doing a free student
preview on Thursday, March 10, limited to the first 80 students who arrive.”
For more information, contact the Columbia Theatre at 985-543-4366.
