A wizard arrives on Broadway
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Lyric Theatre, New York ★★★★★
Not all theatrical extravaganzas transfer from London to New York, or vice versa, with winning results. But Harry Potter
and the Cursed Child, the two-part, five-hour behemoth that became a blockbuster in London in 2016, is now working its incandescent magic on American audiences.
In New York, where the play opened last night, theatregoers were audibly wowed – cheering, gasping and shrieking as stunning feats of “how-did-they-do-that” theatrical magic unfolded before their eyes. Courtesy of Britain’s Ambassador Theatre Group, the production has received the finest of facelifts for its new attraction. Golds, blues and reds dominate the colour scheme, while Hogwarts “H’s” adorn doors, and carpets and lighting fixtures feature dragons and phoenixes.
Producers have brought over the seven principals from the original West End cast as part of the 40-person company, even though they aren’t marquee names. They include Noma Dumezweni as the ever-loyal and resourceful Hermione Granger, Paul Thornley as her husband, Ron Weasley, and Poppy Miller as Harry’s wife, Ginny.
As the adult Harry, Jamie Parker finds reservoirs of depth in a man still suffering post-traumatic stress from events of 19 years ago and dealing with a son, Albus (Sam Clemmett), who seems out of reach and haunted by the difficulty of living in a parent’s shadow. Meanwhile, newcomer Anthony Boyle is a hoot as geeky but lovable Scorpius Malfoy, offspring of Harry’s nemesis, Draco (Alex Price).
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has already broken records. It’s the most expensive non-musical show ever staged on Broadway. And it’s already the highest-grossing Broadway play of all time, netting $2,138,859 during the first week of April. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child looks like it will be maintaining a permanent Broadway residence for some time.
Booking until May 12 2019. Tickets: harrypottertheplay.com