A Note From the Director

What I know you will see today is a spoof, a parody of a well-known and well-loved story. We are taking a look, from a different perspective, of a 7 year story of good vs evil filled with magic and humor. But what I hope you will see today is far more simple. I hope you see a story of…well, hope. This is a story about growing up. Many stories are about growing up because it is something we all share; we all grow up, one way or another (although, some less than others Stanley!) We all go to school, we all try to make friends, we all want to matter. What I love about this story is it highlights the margins. The ones usually dismissed or cast aside to the shadows and corners are put front and center, right in the spotlight; because they matter too. Everyone matters to someone. That message is so important, especially now, when so many things are turning ugly and cruel and unfair. So what I hope you take away is those people who are awkward or who maybe take a lot of time to do “the thing” that comes easily for many others, the ones that have a chip on their shoulders, the ones that are trying so hard to fit in that they overshoot, and even more importantly if YOU are one of those people: you are actually pretty great; you do matter; you are loved! If you haven’t quite got everything figured out, don’t worry, you’ll fit right in with the rest of us Puffs. I am a Puff, and I’m staying!​

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Katie Gifford