The Wizarding World has officially landed on Hennepin Avenue as “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” takes the stage at the Orpheum Theatre, originally premiering in London’s West End in 2016 before conquering Broadway, winning nine Laurence Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards, including Best Play. For true Potterheads, this is must-see. It has all the stage magic you’d like in an evening at the theater; from glowing wands to time travel, this production captures the thrill of the Wizarding World with the practicality of stage illusionists.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman
Picking up 19 years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the story shifts focus to a middle-aged Harry, now an employee at the Ministry of Magic, and his son, Albus Severus Potter. As Albus struggles with the crushing weight of a family legacy he never asked for, he forms an unlikely bond with Scorpius Malfoy, son of Draco Malfoy. Their attempt to right past wrongs through a stolen time-turner spirals into a breathless race against dark forces and shifting timelines. It is a captivating exploration of the relationship between fathers and sons, proving that even wizard families have their struggles, and at the end of the day, love always conquers fear and saves the day.
At the center of this magical epic is Minnesota native Nick Dillinger’s honest portrayal of Harry Potter. Dillinger is completely believable as a father simply trying his best, who just happens to be “the boy who lived.” His chemistry with Abbi Hawk, who sweetly portrays Ginny Potter, reflects the grounded reality of many modern couples raising a family. Hawk captures the nuances of a loving mother who fights for justice within her marriage and household.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman
The production’s emotional core remains the strained relationship between Harry and his son. Adam Grant Morrison, as Albus Potter, successfully captures the character’s angst in intimate beats. While he meets the physical demands and anguish of the role, his performance occasionally feels adrift in the show’s high-octane spectacle. David Fine’s Scorpius Malfoy is a masterclass in endearing eccentricity, balancing the awkward, high-decibel energy of a misunderstood teen with a performance that is totally full of heart. He brings warmth and sentimentality to every interaction, making it impossible not to root for him and Albus as they navigate the heavy shadows of their fathers’ legacies.
The sprawling cast of thirty-five deftly inhabits and at times imitates numerous familiar roles, yet Mackenzie Lesser-Roy’s Moaning Myrtle is the evening’s undisputed standout. Her performance transcends mere imitation; with physicality that is part gymnast and part burlesque, she claims the character as her own. Whether through her playful accent or her acrobatic tease atop the bathroom sink, Lesser-Roy delivers everything we want from Myrtle, bringing a sharp, singular wit to this iconic spectral presence.
Photo by Evan Zimmerman
From the opening beats, this production establishes itself as a full display of modern stagecraft from dramatic lighting to perfectly executed “cape choreography.” While not a musical, the evening is artfully underscored by composer Imogen Heap and punctuated by several grand “production numbers” staged by Steven Hoggett, from the bustling energy of the train station to a beautifully choreographed “staircase ballet,” an homage to the shifting staircases of the original novels.
The production delivers every trick a fan could desire. Without spoiling the secrets, I can simply say that the evening is packed with thrills and genuine bits of magic. While a seasoned theatergoer might explain away some of the sleight of hand, there are several moments of “How did they do that?” that leave even the most cynical viewers in awe.
Ultimately, this is a story about the enduring power of love. If you have spent years longing for what comes next after the final film, this is the show for you. It is an evening well spent with characters we love, thrown into even more extraordinary situations and seasoned with that quintessential Potter magic.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
