‘Puffs’ bringing humor and heart to Storm Lake stage

SLAPT production features local student talent, magical mayhem and a heartfelt message

Harry Potter (Syomara Perez) tries to keep his snake buddy from attacking his Puff peers (Michael Lopez, Raul Jacuinde-Mellado, Seanna Lincoln, Valerie Mejia-Terry, Marshaun Jackson, Ximena Tovar, Ady Felton) and enemy Blondo Malfoy (Briana Monzon-Benavides).

TIMES PILOT photos by DOLORES CULLEN

Megan Jones (Valerie Mejia-Terry) looks on as her mother Xavia (Ady Felton) casts a spell on her friends.

Moaning Myrtle (Syomara Perez) tries to get the attention of Cedric Diggory (Jenna Galvin) while the magic bathtub (Briana Monzon-Benavides, Ady Felton, MIchael Lopez, Belle Whyte, Marshaun Jackson, Elliott Whyte, Ximena Tovar, Seanna Lincoln, Raul Jacuinde-Mellado (Not Pictured) and Valerie Mejia-Terry (Not Pictured).

The Narrator (Juan Loera) tries to keep the basilisk in line.

Helga Hufflepuff (Ximena Tovar) talks to the other Hogwarts Founders Rowena Ravenclaw (Briana Monzon-Benavides) and Godric Gryffindor (Syomara Perez) about founding a school for young wizards. Puppets made by art instructor Libby Whyte add a unique touch to this show.

Posted Thursday, June 26, 2025 4:17 pm

Megan Molseed | Storm Lake Times Pilot

The Storm Lake Area Performers of Tomorrow (SLAPT) are bringing a new kind of magic to town this Fourth of July weekend with their production of “Puffs,” a fast-paced, funny and touching play that reimagines the world of a certain boy wizard — from the perspective of the underdog house.

Performances will take place at the Storm Lake High School Auditorium:

Thursday, July 3, at 2 p.m. — Tickets $5 at the door
Friday, July 4, at 6:30 p.m. — Free performance supported by the Star Spangled Spectacular Committee
Saturday, July 5, at 2 p.m. — Tickets $5 at the door

Directed by Jarrod Roth, Storm Lake High School language arts teacher and head speech coach, and Max Wallace, the production features a dynamic cast of local youth. Roth also serves as the co-founder of SLAPT, which offers performance opportunities to area students.

The cast includes:

Seanna Lincoln as Wayne
Juan Loera as the Narrator
Raul Jacuinde-Mellado as Oliver Rivers
Valerie Mejia-Terry as Megan Jones
Jenna Galvin as Cedric Diggory, Mr. Voldy and others
Michael Lopez as Justin Finch-Fletchley and multiple characters
Marshaun Jackson as Ernie Mac and others
Adyson Felton, Ximena Tovar, Syomara Lerez, Briana Monzon-Benavides, Elliott Whyte and Belle Whyte, each playing a wide range of magical roles
Crew members include Bryaden Lyle and Braiden Jepson.

Roth says he chose “Puffs” not only for its humor, but for its heart.

“This story reminds the viewer that your story matters — regardless of who you are,” said Roth. “In today’s world, one that can often feel overwhelming and make you feel unimportant, it’s a reminder that you matter and your impact on this world matters.”

The show, made possible through the support of Joe Kucera and Storm Lake Community Education, is also sponsored in part by the Star Spangled Spectacular Committee. The July 4 performance will be free to the public as part of the holiday celebration.

Roth credits the cast and production team for their hard work in pulling the show together.

“While I knew this show was big, I had no idea how much was really involved in this piece until it came time to put it together,” he said. “This group absolutely brought their skills to the table to make this show so much fun. It would not be a success without their effort.”

For those looking for some fun, a lot of laughs and a bit of spell-casting mischief this weekend, “Puffs” promises a magical experience for all ages.