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“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” mixes magical ingredients of live theater, mesmerizing illusions, and wondrous choreography. The captivating performances and dazzling production quality is certainly a sight to behold however the visual charm is not quite powerful enough to disregard the problematic story. Uncovering questionable motivations and puzzling characterizations behind the spellbinding feast for the eyes unfortunately fall short of greatness.
Particularly for longtime fans of the Harry Potter series as written by J.K. Rowling. The author shares writing credit to the play alongside Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. The show is exquisitely designed for fans particularly with previous knowledge of the book or movie series. But that will also be the show’s undoing. Anyone walking into the show with little or no knowledge of the series will be less invested and have a harder time keeping up. The opening sequence with a montage through a year at wizarding school was particularly choppy. But dazzles with visual amusement.
Since debuting in 2016 in London, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is finally on tour in the US after much anticipation. Harry Potter fans are floating in mid-air with pure delight and excitement. It’s been nearly 20 years since Harry Potter (John Skelley) and his friends Hermione (Ebony Blake) and Ron (Matt Mueller) defeated Lord Voldemort. It’s now Harry’s son, Albus Potter (Emmet Smith) turn to depart from train station platform 9 3/4 for his first year in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Albus befriends Scorpius Malfoy (Aidan Close) who happens to be the son of Harry’s old foe, Draco Malfoy (Benjamin Thys). The two students decide to break into the Ministry of Magic to steal a confiscated device that would transport them back in time to save a life from the past in order to prevent a terrible loss from occurring. Being as young as they are, they understand little of the devastating consequences they are about to unleash and undo with their intentions.
The visual spectacle captivates with astonishing sorcery that sparks the imagination. Magical illusions from gravity defying stunts, seamless body switching, excruciating transformations, and much more performed physically live on stage really immerse the audience into the wizarding world. This more than makes up for anyone expecting traditional musical song and dance sequences or music compositions from the films. Glowing pyrotechnics and a series of billowing capes round out the awe.
The story that unfolds will undoubtedly leave the audience talking. Time travel gets overused and tiresome. Revisiting recognizable sequences from the original series can swing from compelling insight to a crutch to underdeveloped nostalgia bait. Contrived conveniences coincidentally resolve itself. Legacy characters seem to act out of character from their counterparts in established lore.
Moments in the past squander opportunities for new characters to learn and grow about older characters. Thus going against their previous beliefs that would develop and complete arcs. Age differences amount to discrepancy in unfounded rumors of parentage. An entire alternate universe that hardly reveals what is desperately at stake should startling errors remain unchanged. This Harry Potter sequel story has as much in common with the current slate of Marvel Cinematic Universe and Disney’s Star Wars.
The alluring enchantment into a world where magic is real is too irresistible. Die-hard fanatics and completists will not want to miss their chance to see this show to scratch their Harry Potter itch. You have to see it to believe it. “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” performs an extensive stay at Hollywood Pantages Theatre from February 15 to June 22, 2025. For tickets and more information, visit Broadway in Hollywood.
