Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of the most magical (pun intended) stage plays you will ever see thanks to unforgettable stage production.
So many people have fallen in love with Harry Potter and the Wizarding World over the years and for good reason. There is something about not only the magic but the thought that perhaps, you too are a secret wizard and can escape the “real world”. The characters are lovable through their flaws – I have to admit, I have always been a Draco Malfoy girl – making the stories easy to relate to.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues the story past the books and the films, exploring the next generation of wizards. Understandably, Albus Severus Potter has some big shoes to fill. Not only his father’s but those of his namesakes as well. That is quite a bit of pressure to have as a child. When he becomes friends with Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius, the two devise a plot to change the past – but it just might have some serious effects on the present.
Admittedly, it is extremely exciting to dive into the future lives of Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, and Harry Potter. As someone who has read all of the books multiple times, and seen the movies more times than I can count, I absolutely adore this world and these characters.
Sure, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child might turn some things I would have thought to be true on their heads, but that is what is so exciting about it. If things play out exactly as you expect, wouldn’t that be quite boring? I can see why some Potterheads are upset by the story, but I found it to the intriguing, emotional, and exciting. It is thrilling to not know what will happen next and I am always a supporter of the lesson that even the smallest change in the past can drastically change things.
While the entire cast is incredible, doing a wonderful job of capturing the feel of legacy characters while bringing something new with the unknown characters, there are a few standouts. I already admitted that I love a Malfoy, so it should come as no surprise that I instantly fell in love with the character of Scorpius (Aidan Close).
Close absolutely nails this performance. He has aspects of Tom Felton’s Draco weaved in just enough for us to believe he is a Malfoy. He is lovable, hilarious, and a brilliant part of the story. And that chemistry with Emmey Smith’s Albus Potter? It only took about twenty minutes before my daughter leaned over and whispered “I ship them.” Girl, me too.
Smith also delivers on some great comedic moments, but Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is not just about the laughs. There are some moments that will absolutely pull at your heart strings and had me crying (a certain line from Snape basically broke me). Every performer in this cast brings their A-game. There is no doubt about that.
But what really impressed me is the stage production. The team behind the scenes works just as hard as those in the spotlight, that is for sure. The way that magic is portrayed is thrilling and seamless.
Chairs float, characters themselves go flying through the air. The dementors are terrifying, the swimming scene is pure perfection, and the way that pyrotechnics are used is just the icing on the cake. Come for the story and beloved characters, stay for the absolutely insane production.
Overall, I was thrilled with Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. My daughter and I both enjoyed ourselves. This story is a fun way to tie into the past ones but also bring something new to the table. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, and thanks to the unforgettable production, is an experience you will remember for a long time.
Full disclosure, prior to opening night at Pantages Theatre, I knew almost nothing of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. I never saw the play when it was two nights and am unaware of the changes that were made in order to condense it.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is playing at Pantages Theatre in Hollywood now through June 22. Get your tickets here.
About Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
IT’S TIME TO BELIEVE IN MAGIC
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD is now on tour across North America, boldly restaged as one magical show. Hold onto the edge of your seat as this spellbinding spectacular will whisk you back to Hogwarts and beyond your imagination for a one-of-a-kind journey that’s everything you hoped for—and more.
With just one ticket in hand, you’ll enjoy the continuation of Harry’s story in one magical afternoon or evening.
Join the next adventure and experience the wizarding world like never before at this record-breaking hit and winner of six Tony Awards including Best Play. “It’s one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” (Forbes).
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. Prepare for a mind-blowing race through time, spectacular spells, and an epic battle, all brought to life with the most astonishing theatrical magic ever seen on stage. It’s a “marvel of imagination” (The New York Times) that will “leave you wondering ‘how’d they do that?’ for days to come” (People Magazine).
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Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.