In the first of this two-part podcast, Paul goes behind the curtain with the cast of Broadway’s long awaited sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child  which is finally in Chicago to kick off its first-ever North American Tour! Picking up where the last of the Potter books left off, this new adventure and experience in the wizarding world is what Forbes called: “one of the most defining pop culture events of the decade” (Forbes). See the show at the James M. Nederlander Theatre through February 1st, 2025.

When Harry Potter’s (played by John Skelly) head-strong son Albus (Played by Emmet Smith)  befriends the son of his fiercest rival, Draco Malfoy  (played by Aidan Close), it sparks an unbelievable new journey for them all—with the power to change the past and future forever. The special effects and magic promise to be mind blowing!

Joining in this live conversation on location is Trish Lindstrom (Ginny Potter), Emmet Smith (son Albus Potter), Ben Thys (playing Draco Malfoy), Aidan Close (playing son Scorpius Malfoy) and Chicago’s Very Own Larry Yando (playing Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore and others).

Stay tuned for Part TWO with Harry Potter himself and others!!

Tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (playing now through Feb 1st) may be purchased at: www.BroadwayInChicago.com

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

By: Paul Lisnek, Behind the Curtain,” WGNRadio.com

****/4

Any expectation you have about the magical special and visual effects will be surpassed! The cursed child truly captivates the audience with its jaw dropping dazzling visual effects, transformative sets and enchanting sound design. Years after the last book and movie, Harry Potter maintains its magic touch and power! The story blends in seamlessly into the original series.

Simply put, The Cursed Child is a mind bending theatrical adventure with the familiar gang everyone knows and loves taking the stage, but also introduces the next generation of wizards. Do I suspect a sequel in the future?

If you have no previous experience with the Harry Potter books or movies, you may need a fan sitting next to you to help pull it together. But if you listen closely to all of the dialogue, the references are clear. But even if you don’t follow along completely, you will be in awe of the staging, visual effects, underlying soundtrack and sheer magic that everyone expects of this fantastical world!