Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 29, 2024 Local residents join the cast of ‘Puffs,’ a show about a school of magic, to be presented by Theatre Company of Saugus T he Theatre Company of Saugus (TCS) will present “Puffs – Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic,” during two weekends in April 2024. For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain wizard school and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there, too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Third or nothing! The New York Times proclaims “Puffs” “a fast-paced romp through the seven increasingly eventful years…. For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial winking fondness for all things Harry!” Performances are April 19-2021 and 26-27-28, 2024, on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., and with Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. The location is the Theatre Company of Saugus home at the American Legion Post 210 / 44 Taylor St. / Saugus, Mass. The upstairs performance space is not wheelchair accessible, but it features a bar with soft and alcoholic drinks available at very reasonable prices. Tickets are now on sale. Tickets paid at the door will be $25 for adults or $23 for seniors, youths or veterans. Tickets purchased in advance online will be $22 for adults or $20 for seniors, youths or veterans. For complete info, see the Tickets page on the website tcsaugus.org/tickets “Puffs” is directed for TCS by Kaycee Wilson. She directed the Saugus production of the musical “Zombie Prom” presented in fall 2022, which was nominated for several DASH awards, including Best Musical. Kaycee also appeared in TCS’ spring 2023 production of “Comedy of Errors.” The stage manager for “Puffs” is Delys Russell. Cast members come to Saugus from a variety of towns in the area, and some of them play multiple roles. Malden residents include Brady Neiss-Moe as Zach Smith, Second Headmaster, and others; Kathy Bedard as Xavia Jones and others; and Stephen Nedell as all the Teachers. Everett residents are Kaleigh Ryan playing Megan Jones, and Mark Damon as J. Finch Fletchley. Somerville residents include Joseph Grebla, who plays Clumsy Longbottom, Uncle Dave and others; and Meghan Patrick, who is Magic #1. Tricia Smith plays Hannah and is from Revere. The show has some adult language and situations that might not be suitable for younger kids. “Puffs” is a stage play written by Matt Cox as a transformative and transfigured work under the magic that is US Fair Use laws. “Puffs” is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or comIn rehearsal for the Theatre Company of Saugus production of “Puffs,” members of the Puffs house at the School for Magic prepare for battle with the dark forces: Shawyoun Shaidani as Wayne Hopkins, Bec Lowe as Ernie Mac, Heidi Fisher as Sally Perks, Caroline DeBrota as Leanne, Mark Damon as J. Finch Fletchley, Tricia Smith as Hannah, Mandi Totin as Susie Bones, and Kaleigh Ryan as Megan Jones. (Photo by Larry Segel) kids. “Puffs” is a stage play written by Matt Cox as a transformative and transfigured work under the magic that is US Fair Use laws. “Puffs” is not authorized, sanctioned, licensed or endorsed by J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros. or any person or company associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play. “Puffs” was originally proBrady Neiss-Moe (as Zach Smith) comes back to school to help his classmates in the climactic battle. (Photo by Larry Segel) pany associated with the Harry Potter books, films or play. The show has some adult language and situations that may not be suitable for younger Beacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO MASSTERLIST – Join more than 22,000 people, from movers and shakers to political junkies and interested citizens, who start their weekday morning with MASSterList—the popular newsletter that chronicles news and informed analysis about what’s going on up on Beacon Hill, in Massachusetts politics, policy, media and influence. The stories are drawn from major news organizations as well as specialized publications. MASSterlist will be e-mailed to you FREE every Monday through Friday morning and will give you a leg up on what’s happening in the blood sport of Bay State politics. For more information and to get your free subscription, go to: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/aPTLucKs THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill Roll Call records local senators' votes on roll calls from the week of March 18-22. There were no roll calls in the House last week. REVENGE PORN AND TEEN SEXTING (S 2703) Senate 40-0, approved a proposal that would prohibit the posting of sexually explicit images of another person online without their permission— commonly referred to as “revenge porn.” The practice is often used by ex-spouses or ex-partners. Massachusetts is one of only two states that does not have a law about this crime. The measure makes it illegal to break this new law and establishes a sentence of up to 2.5 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000; increases the upper limit of the fine for criminal harassment from $1,000 to $5,000; and allows a victim to petition the court for a harassment prevention order against a person who has violated this statute. Another provision changes current law under which minors, under 18 years of age, who share explicit images of themselves or other minors, can be charged with violating Massachusetts child pornography laws and are required to register with the Sex Offender Registry. The bill allows minors to be diverted to an educational program that would provide them with information about the consequences of posting or transmitting indecent visual depictions of minors. “With passage of this bill today we take another step towards closing a loophole in our laws that has caused pain, anguish, embarrassment and a sense of helplessness to those survivors who for so long suffered in silence, without justice,” said chief sponsor Sen. John Keenan (D-Quincy). “I am deeply grateful to those who shared their stories and advocated for change to ensure others would not have to suffer as they have. For every case we know of, countless others remain hidden, so I hope passage of this legislation by the Senate will soon lead to the bill being signed into law by the governor. Most importantly, I duced Off Broadway by Tilted Windmills Theatricals (John Arthur Pinckard / David Carpenter). “Puffs” was developed in part during a residency with the University of Florida School of Theatre + Dance, Jerry Dickey, School Director; originally produced Off-Off Broadway by Stephen Stout and Colin Waitt. “Puffs” (Two Act Edition) is presented by arrangement with hope it will provide some closure for survivors and their loved ones and send a clear message that there will be consequences for such conduct.” “I am proud that the Senate has passed comprehensive legislation to prevent abuse and exploitation,” said Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), Senate Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “The rise of new technology has created a reality in our society where it is easy to cause great harm and significant trauma to people, and Massachusetts needs to take action to better protect victims and prevent such disturbing actions from happening. We also need to provide more tools to protect people in a relationship from being psychologically abused through coercive control, with a growing recognition of the many ways that a partner or family member can cause emotional harm.” The House has already approved a different version of the bill and a House-Senate conference committee will likely work out a compromise version. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Sen. Jason Lewis Yes SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET INCLUDING $250 MILLION FUNDING FOR SHELTERS (S 2708) Senate 32-8, approved a supplemental budget that includes an additional $250 million in funding for the Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. For more information and to purchase tickets, see the TCS website at TCSaugus.org. “The Theatre Company of Saugus home at the Saugus American Legion is not large and social distancing is not possible. Therefore we will invite our audience to wear masks inside (unless actively eating or drinking). All the cast members of our shows are vaccinated, and will be tested prior to performances.” TCS, which was founded in 1968, is the community theatre serving Saugus, Mass., and surrounding towns. In most years TCS presents four shows, including plays and musicals, and a summer youth theatre workshop. Emergency Assistance Program that funds the emergency family shelter system which houses migrants. The bill requires each family in shelter to receive an individualized rehousing plan. It makes eligibility for shelter after nine months contingent upon compliance with the rehousing plan, with certain categorical exemptions. It would also allow officials to award one or more 90-day extensions to shelter residents who meet certain criteria, such as veterans, the disabled, a single parents of children with disabilities or those who need an extension to avoid losing a job. Other provisions keep in place some pandemic-era programs, set to expire, including allowing restaurants to sell beer, wine and cocktails for take-out and expanding outdoor dining. “The plan passed by the Senate today addresses the state’s fiscal reality while also treating individuals who have migrated to our state with dignity and respect,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “As we continue to navigate through a challenge that has landed on our doorstep because of Congressional inaction, today we are addressing the immediate need to house families, bolstering our existing efforts to support those who have immigrated here in BHRC | SEE PAGE 15
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