Otherworld Theatre, a company founded and led by Columbia College Chicago Theatre Department alumni, is extending its well-received production of the unauthorized Harry Potter parody Puffs, Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic due to rave reviews and popular demand. The show, which closed its initial run on July 23, returns for an extended engagement August 11 through 27. The theatre is located at 3914 N. Clark in Chicago. For tickets, click here. Ten percent of each ticket sale will be donated to Howard Brown Health, a Chicago-based agency rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation that provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice.

As previously reported in this blog, Puffs is co-directed by Columbia College alum Tiffany Keane Schaefer ’12, a graduate of the Theatre Department’s Theatre Directing program. Schaefer, who is also the show’s production designer, founded Otherworld Theatre in 2012 as a company dedicated to developing and producing theatrical entertainment in the science fiction and fantasy genres.

“This is an earnest, funny show, though not without poignant moments. Otherworld Theatre itself is a lovely, cozy venue. . . . The Puffs set, by co-director and production designer Tiffany Keane Schaefer, is welcoming—beautiful and functional,” wrote reviewer Christine Trevino in Newcity Stage.

“One of the strengths of Puffs is its fast-paced dialogue, which resonated with the Hufflepuff within me. The energy of the cast and the well-executed pacing of the narration contributes to an engaging and dynamic performance,” wrote critic Kayla Pulley in the Chicago Reader. “It is evident that the production team aimed to capture the essence of Hufflepuff, and the efforts paid off in creating a play with a lot of heart.”

“Not a minute of this three-hour play passes without a laugh, audience engaged from the very entrance to the theatre. . . . The audience is invited to become part of Puffs, and lives the adventure alongside the heroes. Wisely not attempting special effects, the show instead focuses on the emotions of coming of age, fighting for what’s fair, and human resilience. A+ for effort and three cheers for the PUFFS. Go see it for a bit of good natured fun and some serious belly laughs,” chimed in the reporter for YourChicagoGuide.