Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Orpheum Theatre

Photo By Evan Zimmerman

A lot of us have a history with Harry Potter. Either we read them growing up, or as adults because everyone was reading them. We saw the movies, and they have been part of the cultural world for a while. In 2016 the play 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' was produced in London in two parts. The original production was about five hours long, and the script was published so that it could be added to libraries (like my collection of Potter books - mostly first edition hardcovers), and read by those who may not have a chance to go to London to see the production. Luckily, money won out and the show was condensed and a Broadway production was opened. This condensed 3 hour production is now playing at the Orpheum Theater till May 17.

Since I first heard of this production, and read the script, it has been one of those plays that I wanted to see. I am lucky enough to do this sort of writing, and so am offered free tickets to shows. I attended opening night, and was truly mesmerized by everything that was happening on stage. The story is not about Harry, Ron, and Hermione per se, but about their children who are attending Hogwarts. It opens with Harry, Ginny and their children James, Lily, and Albus Severus at platform 9 3/4. James and Lily have already been to Hogwarts, but this is Albus's first year and James is giving him grief about what house he might be sorted into. Harry gives him information about who he was named for, and we see them get to the platform. 

Photo By Evan Zimmerman

Two side notes: 1) Harry giving information about who Albus and Severus are is something that happens throughout the whole show. It is reminding the audience, who may have forgotten or aren't huge fans, of who the characters are. It also is telling new audiences a bit of the backstory. While this is highly beneficial, at times it can get a bit repetitive. 2) I am not going to give away all the magic, or any of it. What I will say is this production is magical in a lot of ways, but much more practical magic than tech/special effects. And the fact that they used a lot more practical felt a lot more magical than if it were all technical. 

On the platform we are introduced to Rose, Ron and Hermione's daughter. Albus and Rose get on the train together and while trying to find a place to sit - they run into Scorpius... Draco Malfoy's son. Harry finds him quirky and wants to stay, while Rose goes to sit with other people. And here we have the story set up - it is about Albus and Scorpius, and their growing relationship. Sadly Rose is not in the story much, which annoyed me in some ways, but there is a third party that appears. While the plot is a good plot dealing with the possible return of He Who Shall Not Be Named, and time travel, and the Tri-Wizard Tournament, the story is about these two boys, and each of their complicated histories with family and fathers. While there is magic in the air, there are serious times, and the end of Act One and the start of Act Two get dark.  On the flip side, we get to see the majority of our favorite characters throughout the play though there are certainly some that are missing from the condensed version. 

Photo By Evan Zimmerman

The cast and crew of this production were top-notch. There were times that I found Albus to be a bit difficult to understand, but I still followed the story easily. The audience was all ages, though I think some people left during intermission for some reason. The story may be difficult for younger ages to follow so take that into consideration. The set looks amazing, but again it is a good combination of stagecraft, practical effects, and video effects. I found it to be a really enjoyable evening, and I am glad I went.

Now, the trouble some folks may have is this. In 2020 JK Rowling came out as being horribly anti-trans. I personally do not support her or anything she does. While I know there is a new Harry Potter series coming out, I am not going to spend any time or money towards that, or towards her as she is actively using money to harm people in the trans community. I will be donating to this local non-profit that helps support portions of the trans community. I hope you will do the same, as you are able, even if you don't go see the show. The trans community needs allies, and support - especially at this time.