Sorting hats! Quidditch brooms! Wand duels! Dementors! We're in the midst of the spooky season and over at the Nederlander Theatre they are brewing up the perfect potion: the launch of the North American national tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. A winner of a pair of Best Play awards (an Olivier and a Tony), this new installment of the Potter saga casts the very best kind of theatrical magic.
The play's story (co-written by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany) picks up where the books left off, with the next generation of Potters, Weasleys and Malfoys set to board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 3/4. Once a six-hour marathon, meant to be seen over the course of two nights, this leaner, streamlined version of the show has lost little power as it weaves its enchanting spell, diving deep into the complexities of family legacies, while maintaining the whimsical charm and adventurous spirit of the beloved novels.
The cast delivers uniformly outstanding performances, giving renewed life to beloved Potter characters both big (Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall) and small (Moaning Myrtle makes a delightfully damp appearance). Our main trio—John Skelley as Harry, Matt Mueller as Ron and Ebony Blake as Hermione—are excellent: heroic and resourceful as they bring a sense of continuity and growth and fresh energy and perspective to these beloved characters. But they are not alone in what is a huge cast for a non-musical.
Chicago theatrical treasure Larry Yando shines in each of his roles: he makes a wise Dumbledore, a tragic Snape, a grieving Amos Diggory and a terrifying Voldemort—each a showcase for his talent.
But I need to single out two actors whose characters are the very heart of the story: Emmet Smith as Albus Potter—a lonely soul uneasy with the mantle of being the son of the famous Harry Potter, and Aidan Close as the delightfully odd Scorpius Malfoy. Smith brings a compelling mix of vulnerability and determination to Albus, capturing the struggles of living up to a legendary family name while forging his own path. His portrayal is nuanced and deeply moving.
Close delivers a standout performance as Scorpius Malfoy. A charming weirdo, shamed by his family's dark reputation yet full of wit, charm, and goofiness. Close’s Scorpius provides much of the play’s emotional core and comic relief—not an easy combination.
But of course it is not merely the actors who cast a spell. The show's stupendous magical effects, created by Jamie Harrison, are a marvel. Flying broomsticks... people (and furniture) spinning through the air... and pyrotechnic wands are just a few of the treasures. Coupled with the skillful direction of John Tiffany, we are presented with both the spectacular and the soulful—often at the very same time.
One last note: this is a not play for very small children (many of whom were in the audience). The themes are too complex, too mature: most will be lost on anyone younger than a bright third grader.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child plays through February 1, 2025, at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W Randolph) St. Tickets are available at www.broadwayinchicago.com. The show runs almost three hours, with one intermission.
For more information on this and other plays, see theatreinchicago.com.
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