While the source material has a complicated legacy, I do not stand with the beliefs of she who shall not be named. Theater should always be an inclusive space for all, including the trans community. My focus is on the work of the creative team and the actors who bring this story to the stage with care and talent. You will also find several Massachusetts Trans Resources listed at the bottom of this review.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is now playing at the Emerson Colonial Theatre, directed by John Tiffany and written by Jack Thorne based on a story by Thorne, Tiffany, and she who must not be named. The play picks up nineteen years after the Battle of Hogwarts and follows a new generation as Albus Potter tries to carve out his own path while grappling with the legacy of his famous father. What begins as a strained father and son story quickly expands into a time bending adventure filled with familiar faces, new alliances, and plenty of magic.
The Stars of the Stage
David Fine shines as Scorpius Malfoy. He captures the awkward and wonderfully chaotic spirit of this teen with a blend of sharp comedic timing and endearing vulnerability. He carries a huge portion of the show and never falters. His chemistry with Adam Grant Morrison as Albus Potter is a highlight, and the journey these two characters go on together anchors the heart of the production. Adam brings real warmth to Albus as he works to step out of the shadow of his father, played by Nick Dillenburg.
Nick brings a grounded and mature Harry to life and plays beautifully opposite the characters many of us grew up with. Matt Harrington is a standout as Ron Weasley with some of the funniest lines in the entire production, along with the charm and heart that make Ron so beloved. Rachel Leslie is fantastic as Hermione Granger and brings a smart and confident presence to every scene.
Unexpected Enchanters
Julia Nightingale delivers a sublime performance as Delphi Diggory and guides her character through a surprising journey with skill and nuance. Katherine Leask brings both Professor McGonagall and Professor Umbridge to life with sharp detail. Each performance is so distinct that it is easy to forget the same actor is behind them.
Larry Yando has a similar feat with Albus Dumbledore, Amos Diggory, and Severus Snape, giving each character a completely individual presence. Mackenzie Lesser Roy is a riot as Moaning Myrtle. Her scene was one of the funniest of the entire night and had the crowd roaring.
Moments That Cast a Spell
Lighting Designer Neil Austin delivers a spectacular visual world. The lighting often feels like its own character and works hand in hand with the illusions and magic created by Jamie Harrison. Many moments are jaw dropping and left me truly wondering how the team pulled them off. Movement Director Steven Hoggett also deserves praise. The entire cast handles transitions with precise and fluid choreography that keeps the energy high and the story moving.
Mischief That Was Not Managed
The original Broadway production was famously presented in two separate parts and ran over five hours. This version is shorter and plays straight through in one sitting, but it still pushes close to three hours. While the pacing holds well overall, there are still moments that could benefit from tightening.
Some tender or emotional scenes did not seem to land in the way they were intended. A few tense beats earned soft laughs from the audience, which pulled away from the intended tone. There were also moments when the sound design felt uneven. Certain effects came through very loud, while the actors’ microphones did not always seem to match that level, making some lines hard to hear.
A Sprinkle of Stage Magic
If you grew up with Harry Potter, love the world of Hogwarts, or appreciate strong lighting design and thrilling stage magic, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a night out that will absolutely deliver. If you are not the biggest Harry Potter fan, like me as a Hunger Games and Twilight girl, you will still enjoy the spectacle, though you may not feel quite as immersed as the superfans around you.
Still, the show moves quickly, offers a lot to take in, and fills its three hour run with striking visuals and heartfelt moments. From the first flicker of magic to the final emotional beat, there is something truly magical happening on that stage.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child runs through December 20 at Emerson Colonial Theatre.
📸: Matthew Murphy
Booked & Scene 
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