REVIEW: HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD at James M. Nederlander Theatre Through February 1, 2025

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HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

NOW PLAYING AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S JAMES M. NEDERLANDER THEATRE

THROUGH FEBRUARY 1, 2025

The show is suitable for ages 8 and up.

Runtime: 2 hours and 50 minutes with one intermission

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Here at ChiIL Mama, we caught the opening night of the US touring production of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, kicking off right here in Chicago, and we loved it! Even Muggles will be enchanted with Harry Potter, the next generation. This play picks up nineteen years after the original series, when the children we know and love have become parents of Hogwarts teens. This production is a mind blowing spectacle of special effects, unexpected friendships, and time travel. Slither in for stunning stage magic, stellar acting, and an epic adventure that changes everything. Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

(from left to right) Aidan Close and Emmet Smith in Harry Potter and

the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

I bought this script when it came out in 2016 and have been eagerly awaiting the chance to see it on stage in a full production. I devoured all 7 novel and all the movies as each came out, and own all of both. As soon as my kids were old enough, we read them aloud as a family and watched the movies many times. We especially loved Hermione, a smart, female lead, written in an era when the vast majority of main characters were boys. Not so long ago, gate keeper publishers regularly blocked heroines, saying that boys wouldn't read books with girls as main characters. 

(from left to right) Julia Nightingale, Aidan Close and Emmet Smith in

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by Matthew

Murphy.

Speaking of girls as main characters, no big spoilers, but HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD adds a doozy of a female lead with Delphi Diggory, delightfully played by Julia Nightingale. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD also gets more diverse with Hermione (Ebony Blake) and her daughter, Rose (Naira Vanessa McCalla), both played by black actresses, and we're here for it! We also couldn't possibly love Moaning Myrtle any more than we do. Mackenzie Lesser-Roy killed it as the ghost girl who lurks in the loo! 

The North American Tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Photo by Matthew Murphy.

 

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD GOLDEN SNITCH DIGITAL LOTTERY 

If money's an issue, there's a free to enter ticket lottery for all show dates. The Golden Snitch Digital Lottery will open at 9:00 a.m. CT and close at 5:00 p.m. CT the day prior to the desired performance. Winners can claim 2 tickets for $40 each + a $5 handling fee per ticket. Enter HERE.

If you have somehow managed to avoid the entire franchise and are clueless about the world of Harry Potter and the characters within, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD does work as a stand alone piece. However, the more you know of the backstory, the less confusing and more fun this production will be. I spent the half hour before the show and intermission giving a few clueless fellow critics the Cliff Notes, and overheard others doing the same with their friends and families. The day after the show, a couple of critics I spoke with were inspired to start the movies, which will still make the play clearer after the fact. If you're completely uninitiated, though, I do recommend checking out at least a few of the movies first, if at all possible. 

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD features a great bromance between best friends Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy. The plot line takes tantalizing, unexpected twists and turns. There's a strong anti-bullying bent. And the ultimate take away about the inadvisability/inability to change the past without dire consequences, and the sorrow that comes with that realization, is a message we can get behind, for magicians and muggles alike. 

The stage version is an excellent opportunity for multigenerational fun, with appeal for grandparents, parents and kids. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is even likely to win over those who don't naturally love theatre. In fact, this multi award winning play broke the Guinness record for the highest-grossing non-musical play in Broadway history! Worried about sitting still for the two hours and 50 minute run time? There's a 15- to 20-minute intermission, with fun photo ops in the basement level lobby outside of the bathrooms, merch to purchase, and several snack and drink laden bars on multiple floors. The original play was in 2 parts and required a 5 or 6 hour commitment! Now the fast paced show just flies by. This production was so mind bogglingly excellent I'm already planning to catch it again. Best fantasy production ever. Don’t miss this! 

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by

Matthew Murphy.

**HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED AUTHOR (AKA TERF Wars): This play is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling who has been called out from 2020 to the present, for her negative social media comments on trans people, and doubling down in the face of backlash. I can't in good conscience give this show a rave review without acknowledging the controversy. Rowling has a lot of followers and with a big megaphone comes great responsibility.

I've met many wonderful trans people, working for decades in Chicago's theatre industry, and quite a few of my friends consider themselves trans or have trans children. Some of them are boycotting this production because J.K. Rowling gets royalties, and I respect that, especially in today's political climate. At ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we do not condone her comments. Nevertheless, I have chosen to review this play, as a collaborative piece of art, involving dozens of people, and can vouch that there is nothing inherently transphobic or negative in any way toward any marginalized group in this production. 

On opening night we met drag queens in full Slitherin regalia, gay couples and even trans humans who raved about the show, and other minorities and marginalized people who were all marveling at the stage magic and having a wonderful evening together. In an era of cancel culture, we believe it's still possible to enjoy creative works with imperfect creators. 

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American Tour. Photo by

Matthew Murphy.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

Chicago Tie-ins on the North American Tour

My son went to school with Harry Potter's son! Not too many Chicago Theatre critics can make that unique claim. No, not Hogwarts, but before attending the infamous wizard boarding school, as Albus Potter, actor Emmet Smith studied theatre arts at Chicago's Northwestern University, in suburban Evanston, with my son, Dugan. Though New York is technically his home town, we're highlighting Albus/Emmet with the Chicago dynamic duo of Severus Snape and Ron Weasley. Emmet truly makes a phenomenal Albus Severus Potter. Aside from the ability to pass for an underager, he's a stellar performer and a joy to see in action. 

 

Emmet Smith (Harry's son, Albus Potter)

he/him. Wizzo! Off-Broadway: Philadelphia, Here I Come! (Irish Rep), Midsummer (TFANA), Soul Doctor (NYTW); Regional: A Distinct Society (Pioneer Theatre), The Sound of Music (Marriott Theatre); TV: New Amsterdam, Law & Order, Blue Bloods. Songwriter, climate activist, Northwestern grad, Ravenclaw. @emmetsmithnyc

(l-r): Emmet Smith and Aidan Close in the North American Tour of

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

We were also pretty jazzed to see Chicago's own Larry Yando playing Snape, Dumbledore, and Amos Diggory. Yando is most recognized for his beloved role as Scrooge at Goodman Theatre for the past 16 seasons! We've seen him in numerous productions over the years and in the past I've dubbed him "King of the pregnant pause" for his delivery style, and his ability to keep an audience rapt and spellbound, even between lines. He's an absolute pro and it's a master class to see him on stage. He's adept at finding the humanity in villains, and making them multidimensional, and dare I say lovable. We adore his take on Snape.

LARRY YANDO 

Notable roles: Scar/“The Lion King”, Roy Cohn”/Angels in America”, 15 seasons as Scrooge/”A Christmas Carol”, and King Lear. A five- time Jeff award- winner, Sarah Siddons recipient, Lunt-Fontanne Fellow, and the Wall Street Journal’s Performer of the Year.

Larry Yando in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child North American

Tour. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Rounding out the trio is Matt Mueller, who lives in Chicago's near northern suburb of Evanston. He's also making sweet home Chicago proud, and reprising his Broadway role, where he played Ron Weasley for a year, before the pandemic shuttered theatres in 2020. He's not only a hometown actor, but also the son of two Chicago actors, Jill Shellabarger and Roger Mueller! His three siblings were also bitten by the theatre bug, and his twin sister Abby, sister Jessie, and brother Andrew are all professional actors. All of them work steadily in theater in Chicago, New York on and off-Broadway, or with touring companies. Matt has never been cast in a show with his sisters or parents yet, but he did work on a show with his brother, Andrew. His sister, Jessie Mueller won a Tony Award for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Nothing like a bit of Broadway sibling rivalry to keep things interesting!

Matt Mueller (Ron Weasley)

Broadway: HPCC. Tour: The Play That Goes Wrong - Chicago. Regional: Writers, Chicago Shakespeare, Marriott, Drury Lane, Northlight, Asolo Repertory, Indiana Repertory, Milwaukee Rep, Lyric Repertory, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, BETC, and multiple productions of Woody Guthrie’s American Song.

(l-r): Matt Mueller, Ebony Blake and John Skelley in the North

American Tour of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew

Murphy.

Broadway In Chicago is delighted to announce the National Tour of HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD 

now playing at Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre

The final performance of the 21-week engagement of the six-time Tony® Award-winning production will be Saturday, February 1, 2025

“One of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” – Forbes

John Skelley is playing Harry Potter with Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter and Emmet Smith as their son Albus Potter. Matt Mueller is playing Ron Weasley with Ebony Blake as Hermione Granger and Naiya Vanessa McCalla as their daughter Rose Granger-Weasley. Playing Draco Malfoy is Ben Thys with Aidan Close as his son Scorpius Malfoy. Delphi Diggory is played by Julia Nightingale and Severus Snape is played by Larry Yando.

They are joined by Kaleb Alexander, Julianna Austin, Markcus Blair, Casey Butler, Erin Chupinsky, Reese Sebastian Diaz, David Fine, Simon Gagnon, Alexis Gordon, Caleb Hafen, Lauryn Hayes, Nathan Hosner, Torsten Johnson, Katherine Leask, Markelle Leigh, Mackenzie Lesser-Roy, Evan Maltby, Zach Norton, Travis Patton, Maren Searle, Ayla Stackhouse, Jennifer Thiessen, Timmy Thompson, René Thornton Jr., and Kristin Yancy playing a variety of characters.

The touring production is based on the acclaimed Broadway production, currently playing at the Lyric Theatre, New York. It picks up right where the last Harry Potter film left off: Nineteen years after Harry, Ron, and Hermione saved the wizarding world, they’re back on a most extraordinary new adventure – this time, joined by a brave new generation that has only just arrived at the legendary Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. When Harry Potter’s head-strong son Albus befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever.

John Skelley in the North American Tour of Harry Potter and the

Cursed Child. Photo by Matthew Murphy.

HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, the first Harry Potter story to be presented on stage and the eighth story in the Harry Potter series, has sold over 10 million tickets worldwide since its world premiere in London in July 2016 and holds a record 60 major honors, with nine Laurence Olivier Awards including Best New Play and six Tony Awards including Best Play. The international phenomenon has cast its spell worldwide with productions currently running in London, New York, Hamburg, and Tokyo, and has completed runs in Melbourne, Toronto, and San Francisco. The original two-part production in London's West End recently celebrated its 7th anniversary, while the reimagined Broadway production celebrated its 6th anniversary. The most successful non-musical play in Broadway history, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD has the unique distinction of being named by the Guinness World Records as the highest-grossing non-musical play in Broadway history with over $270 million total sales

and over 2.5 million tickets sold. To stay up to date with the latest information, go to tour.harrypottertheplay.com.

CHICAGO TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD are on sale now and range from $49.00 - $193.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. There are a limited number of $40 lottery seats available for each performance. Groups of 10 or more can book tickets by calling (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD

Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is a play by Jack Thorne, directed by John Tiffany. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD features movement by Steven Hoggett, set by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina

Lindsay, music & arrangements by Imogen Heap, lighting by Neil Austin, sound by Gareth Fry, illusions & magic by Jamie Harrison, music supervision & arrangements by Martin Lowe. US Casting by Jim Carnahan, CSA. HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.

Instagram: @CursedChildUS ● Twitter: @CursedChildTour ● Facebook: @CursedChildUS ● TikTok: @CursedChildOfficial

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on

the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● TikTok @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

REVIEW: World Premiere of THE SHIP AND THE SEA Via Curious Theatre Branch at Facility Theatre September 6 - 29

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Curious Theatre Branch presents the World Premiere of 

THE SHIP AND THE SEA

at Facility Theatre September 6 - 29 

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we were particularly interested in catching this show since we've all been to Sweden and seen the actual Vasa ship in person!

GUEST REVIEW

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

The Ship and The Sea expertly blends beauty and tragedy into a delightful little performance. In this show, we follow the Swedish Vasa ship, the Sea, and two captains (one rightful, one involuntary) as they finish the ship’s construction and embark on her maiden voyage. This performance was masterful in developing a sense of slow but gentle impending doom. The sea understands that it will swallow the ship and the captains recognize that it is not safe, but everyone acknowledges that it must be launched. Luckily, it was gentle enough not to leave anyone sobbing like other tragedies might. 

The cast of THE SHIP AND THE SEA. Photo by Chris Bower

In The Ship and The Sea, there is not a ton of plot, but luckily it doesn’t need it. There aren’t any big flashy moments or dramatic reveals, but instead, the story is presented through a multitude of monologues and deep conversations. This slower pacing lets the audience sit with each moment and reflect on it as it happens. We are really given the time to get to know each character and learn what motivates them, how they feel about themselves, the other characters, and the situation they find themselves in. 

(L to R)  Andrew Schoen, Vicki Walden and  Kristy Lockhart. Photo by Chris Bower

(L to R) Kristy Lockhart and Andrew Schoen. Photo by Chris Bower

Some things we appreciated about the performance were the characters, the music, and the tone. All of the characters were well thought out and established. We especially liked the childlike naiveté of the ship and how she grew throughout the show. It was also neat to watch the characters during non-speaking moments, as both of the inanimate characters were on stage the entire time. The musical interludes were beautiful and gave the perfect quick neat transition between scenes. I also adore the sound of a piano paired with a banjo or ukelele, and can always appreciate the humor that comes with playing a kazoo. And finally, the performers gracefully weave humor into many of their touching moments. Despite portraying a tragedy the audience was given the time to laugh and have fun. 

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and graduate of Northwestern University's theatre program.

(L to R)  Andrew Schoen, Vicki Walden and  Kristy Lockhart. Photo by Chris Bower

Curious Theatre Branch, is proud to present the world premiere of The Ship and The Sea, written and directed by Chris Bower, September 6 - 29, at Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. Opening night is Friday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. The regular performance schedule is Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets for The Ship and The Sea can be found at CuriousTheatreBranch.com. Tickets are priced on a “pay what you can” scale, with a suggested price of $20. 

Chris Bower’s The Ship and The Sea reimagines the infamous sinking of the 17th- century Swedish warship Vasa moments after it set sail on its maiden voyage and less than 1500 yards from its port.The story is told from the perspective of the ship, too big, beautiful, and young to fail, the sea, unable to relate to any of the creatures that live and die in her body and two sailors struggling to make sense of their own short lives. Funny and profound, the play echoes our current moment of hubris and dismay. 

The cast of The Ship and The Sea includes Lola Zimmerman (she/her, The Ship); Vicki Walden (she/her, The Sea); Kristy Lockhart (she/her, Captain Gamel); Andrew Schoen (he/him, Ordinary Seaman Ny); Paul Brennan (he/him, Ghost Narrator #1) and Lena Brun (she/her/they/them, Ghost Narrator #2).

The production team includes Chris Bower (he/him, writer/director); Charlotte Lastra (she/her, asst. director/stage manager); Jayita Bhattacharya (she/her, movement specialist); Vicki Walden (she/her, music); Matt Test (he/him, sound/music); Lena Brun (she/her/they/them, sound/music) and Paul Brennan (sound/music).

(L to R) Andrew Schoen, and Kristy Lockhart. Photo by Chris Bower

ABOUT CHRIS BOWER,  PLAYWRIGHT AND DIRECTOR

Chris Bower is a teacher, playwright and the author of the short story collection “Little Boy Needs Ride” (Curbside Splendor)  and the novella “The Family Dogs,” which was part of the “My Very End of the Universe” novella collection published by Rose Metal Press. He is also the curator and host of The Ray’s Tap Reading Series and his work has been featured at pretty much every Rhinoceros Theater Festival since 2005. Past plays include Siberian Mouth (Bruised Orange), Mascot (Found Objects), Birthday Boy (Curious Theatre Branch) and his imaginary Logan Square fine-dining series Cafe Neckbeard, which featured at Rhino Fests 2018-2022. He is a proud ensemble member of Curious Theatre Branch. 

ABOUT CURIOUS THEATRE BRANCH

Curious Theatre Branch is dedicated to the creation of new plays and performances and to the production of the annual Rhinoceros Theater Festival. Curious aims to promote innovative works of the imagination in the performing arts from a broad and inclusive spectrum of artists and are also devoted to mentoring programs that engage emerging artists as a way to enrich and expand our artistic community.  We are committed to creating and producing new plays and performances in a collaborative manner, encouraging our members as artists to share decision making and responsibilities, while expanding their skills as writers, actors, designers, directors, and arts administrators.  Curious also is committed to the idea that a pay what you can pricing policy is sustainable and will suffice over the long term as an economic model.

Curious Theatre Branch, is proud to present the world premiere of The Ship and The Sea, written and directed by Chris Bower, September 6 - 29, at Facility Theatre, 1138 N. California Ave. The regular performance schedule is Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. Tickets for The Ship and The Sea are at CuriousTheatreBranch.com. Tickets are priced on a “pay what you can” scale, with a suggested price of $20.