New Tampa Players
Puffs
Written by Matt Cox
Produced with special arrangement from Concord Theatricals
Welcome to Uptown Stage!
Please silence your cell phones.
There will be a 15 minute intermission.
Produced with the Generous Support of
Jacqueline Do (She/Hers):
Sally Perks/Blondo Malfoy/Bippi/Rowena
Jacqueline is thrilled to be playing Sally Perks/Blondo Malfoy/Bippi/Rowena in New Tampa Players' Puffs! Although new to NTP, she is not new to theatre. She has been in the theatre industry for over five years now. You may have seen her in USF productions such as A Musical Cabaret and “Magnetic North” or at Hillsborough Community College in “HCC: 50 Years in the Making” or A Devised Theatrical Experience Honoring Our Veterans. As a recent graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in theatre performance, she is currently a pirate aboard The Lost Pearl, a piano/voice instructor, a substitute teacher, as well as a trivia host. In her spare time, which comes sparingly, she enjoys a cappella, bowling, calligraphy, eating, embroidery, ice skating, karaoke, listening to music and podcasts, makeup, musical theatre, organizing, piano, sewing, singing, skating, her sorority, tabletop games, thrifting, and watching movies/tv shows.
Nicki Do (She/Hers): Oliver
While this has been her first play, Nicki has performed in 2 musicals prior to Puffs. Mostly having a singing/musical background in musical theatre, performing in productions such as Legally Blonde and Carousel, she's ecstatic to perform in Puffs with the amazing cast, and would like to thank her family for all their support.
Kodi Ernewein (They/Them): J. Finch, Uncle Dave, Goyle, A Fat Friar, Clumsy Longbottom, Hermeoone #3, Viktor, Mr. Bagman, Zach Smith, Death Buddy, Scorpio
Kodi is a nerd, through and through. They devoured books throughout their time in school and made the silly assumption graduate school would also be full of fun reading. There was a lot of reading, and now they have a master’s degree in behavior analysis and pretend to be a wizard on the weekends. If they're not working or rehearsing in a theater, you might be able to find them on the rugby pitch with Florida's very first International Gay Rugby Team, the Orlando Otters. Kodi is incredibly grateful to New Tampa Players for all the opportunities they have provided to grow and develop in the local theater community. They would also like to thank their Fiancée, Michael, for laughing at every joke, even the bad ones.
Brianna Filippelli (She/Hers): Hannah, First Headmaster, Professor McG, Professor Sproutty, Xavia Jones, Professor Lanny, Runes Teach, Ms. Babble
Brianna is thrilled to return to New Tampa Players. A true Puff herself, she is also a Theatre Teacher with Pasco County Schools, and holds a BA in Theatre Performance from the University of South Florida. Some favorite previous roles include Shelby in Steel Magnolias, Lindsay in Godspell, Violet in Violet, Susan in Snapshots, Cosette in Les Miserables, Liesl in Sound of Music, The Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods, and Grace in Annie. Thanks to Mom and Dad, family and friends, the cast and crew, her husband Jesse for joining her on this adventure, and doggo Pepper Pawtts for holding down the fort while her parents are at rehearsal. Enjoy the show! #badgerpride
Cameran Graham (She/Hers): Susie Bones/Harry/Colin/Hermeoone #2/Ric Gryff/Myrtle
Hiii! Cameran is excited to finally be back on stage for the first time at New Tampa Players with her first ever comedy play! Cameran has had the pleasure of playing a Farquaad Guard in Shrek the Musical and a Wench in Once Upon A Mattress the Musical. Cameran is magically thrilled to be a part of Puffs as Susie Bones, the Boy Who Lived, and a Moaning Ghost Who Haunts a Toilet. Cameran would love to thank her family, friends, cast, and crew for all of their support! PUFF HUG!
Cassidy Haberland (She/Hers): Leanne, Ginny, Frenchy, Helga, Death Buddy.
Hiiiii!! Cassidy H is an 18 year old USF student, and thrilled to be in this production of Puffs! Although a Slytherin in real life, she mainly plays Leanne, a quirky puff. Cassidy has been involved with theatre since she was 5 years old! And some of her previous favorite roles include Rosie in Bye Bye Birdie, Hannah & a Newsie in Newsies, Miep in Anne Frank, and Thurston Wheelis in Greater Tuna. She loves music, acting, singing, fashion, dying her hair, psychology, true crime, writing, and playing her ukulele. Big thank you to all her fellow cast mates, the crew, Director Derek Baxter, Stage Manager Josh, and YOU for coming to see the show!! Hope you enjoy and laugh loud!! <3 ^^
David Lamoreaux (He/Him/His They/Them): Wayne
David was just an ordinary boy, when one day he decided to audition for a musical entitled Sister Act and was suddenly swept away to the world of acting. After venturing through two musicals he found himself in the new magical world of Puffs where there was (almost) no singing. Although this world of magic and magic is strange, David is just happy to be a part of it, and hopes you (the audience) enjoy it as much as he has. - NotAWizard1997
Melissa Mastromarchi (She/Hers): Narrator, Death Buddy
Melissa is excited to be guiding you through the story of the Puffs as your narrator. She performed for a number of years on stage along side some amazing furry and feathered co-stars at Sea World and Busch Gardens but her first performance with New Tampa Players was as a mersister and aerialist in their 2019 production of The Little Mermaid. This will be her 2nd time performing with New Tampa Players and she’s looking forward to more in the future. Melissa would like to thank her friends and family for their support and sends an extra thanks to her husband for pushing her to perform again and hopes that you all enjoy the show!
Jesse Peterson-Timmons (He/Him/His): Cedric/Voldy
10 years ago Jesse left the stage, fleeing from a place he called home for so long. Then when all seemed bleak and destined for normality his wonderful wife Brianna Filippelli motivated him to return. The echoes and awes were heard from all around, Jesse was back. He has a part of two shows recently, rumors say, The Laramie Project:10 years later, and now Puffs playing Cedric and Mister Voldy.
Zachary Smith (He/Him/His): Ernie Mac/A Very Tall Man/Seamus/A Certain Potions Teacher/Professor Turban/Ghost History Teacher/Professor Locky/Mr. Nick/Sal/Second Headmaster/Real Mr. Moody/Death Buddy
Zach Smith is new to New Tampa Players, and is very excited to be here working on Puffs! Previously he has worked on Wiregrass Ranch High School productions, including: Seussical, The Cave, Rent, Lost Art, and Curtains. And hopefully many more to come with New Tampa Players!
Anne Tully (She/Hers): Megan
Anne graduated from the University of Florida with a BA in General Theatre, a BS in Journalism, and a MFA in Scene Design. Since graduation she has worked a variety of jobs including theatre technician, performer, scenic designer, aerialist/dancer, and a personal trainer/physical education teacher/musical theater instructor! In her spare time she enjoys singing, dancing, acting, and costuming and especially loves to blend her athletic skills with her nerdy and theatrical interests. She wants to thank her director, the incredibly talented cast of Puffs, her favorite humans, her family and friends, and all nine cats that share her home for their support and overall awesomeness!
Derek Baxter (He/Him/His): Director
Derek Baxter is thrilled to be returning to NTP with Puffs! PReviously at NTP directed has directed The Little Mermaid and The Amish Project and served as interim Artistic Director for a bit. Derek attended NYU - Tisch School of the Arts focusing in Musical Theatre and Experimental Theatre. He serves as the Entertainment Director for the Carrollwood Cultural Center and has directed there at CCC, CWP, and EOT in the Tampa area. Thanks to the 'rents, friends, this amazing cast, and especially to Josh for doing so much technically with Puffs - this show literally would not have been what it is without you!
Production Team
Production and Stage Manager: Josh Eberhart
Lighting Design: Joshua Eberhart
Lighting Technican: Robert Pfost
Sound Design: From Original Off Broadway Run of Puffs
Sound Technician: Joshua Eberhart
Crew: Roe Peterson
Props: Our Amazing Cast and Crew
Set Construction and Painting: Joshua Paine and James Cass
A Note from the Director:
Puffs, what a wonderfully hilarious play. It has been so fun to bring this production to life. Usually, I take a moment to discuss the political or historical importance of a moment in the play, or I take this notes section to explain my vision and declare my major opus artistic statement for the piece. Instead, I want to say this - it has been a rough couple of years and also the Harry Potter universe has had some truly awful people attached to it with some very hateful thought processes. Let this play serve as a moment of laughter and brevity and also as a "four-letter-word YOU" to a certain writer and all of those that have spoken out in support of her views. ALL PEOPLE ARE WELCOME AND ACCEPTED HERE and this cast and production team are direct proof of that.
-Derek
Thank you to all of our volunteers who have worked so hard to make this production of Puffs possible.
Alex Alfonso
Paul Berg
Carrollwood Players
Carrollwood Cultural Center
Shelley Giles
Craig Hartfield
Elizabeth Hooper
Jim Russell
Dana Warner
Support Live Theatre
Thank you so much for supporting New Tampa Players, the arts, and live theatre through your presence tonight. As NTP reopens and recovers from COVID, your financial support is crucial. With reduced seating, your support can help bridge the gap between ticket sales and operating and production expenses, keeping us financially healthy and able to provide diverse and accessible performing arts opportunities.
About Uptown Stage
Welcome to Uptown Stage, New Tampa Player’s new space! For your safety and the safety of those around you, please wear a mask while you are inside Uptown Stage. Restrooms are located in the main mall near Burlington Coat Factory. Maps are provided at the front of the theater.
Thank you so much for supporting New Tampa Players and live performance!
Auditions for our Summer Shows
Manic Monologues and Children of Eden
May 1 from 6:00-9:00 PM
May 2 from 7:00-9:30 PM
May 3 from 7:00-9:30 PM