Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Implores the Audience to See Beyond the Magic, Review

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child embarks on a North American Tour as more than a tale of friendship, coming of age, and familial strife. Beyond the visual stage spectacle, audiences resonate with the complicated relationships and empathize with the characters’ inner turmoil.

Although it seems like yesterday, the simple phrase, “you’re a wizard, Harry,” captivated people’s imaginations. Mere muggles longed to pick up a wand, cast a spell, and step into that magical Wizarding World. Words combined with imagination created theme park lands, delicious food, and immersive experiences.

Even though that fantastical, fictional Wizarding World welcomed fans back time and again, Harry’s story did not go up in flames during the final Voldemort battle. In Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the next generation enters Hogwarts. Even though there are no trolls in the bathroom or wizards battling for the Tri-Wizard Cup, these young wizards have more difficult trials. Being the son of an infamous wizard is a heavy cross to bear.

Fans will recall the final scene at the train station when Harry sends Albus off to Hogwarts. This play chronicles Albus’ difficulty standing in his father’s shadows, his unlikely relationship with Scorpius Malfoy, and how re-writing the past never solves problems.

In the touring production, the show’s duration is shorter. While still long at three hours, the changes condense certain areas, can jump ahead, and even streamline a few spots. Although it never feels rushed or disjointed, the switch from plot to subplot requires the audience to remain engaged with every moment.

With all the theatrical spectacle, it is easy to keep your eyes glued to the action. From fiery moments as wizards battle to curious character transformations, all the big moments from the original Harry Potter series are woven into the production. In some scenes, the actors seem posed in Matrix like bond bends, which seem impossible. For a few moments, the line between real life and movie magic is blurred.

Even though the special effects kept the audience spellbound, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is more than casting spells and whirling staircases. Just like the original stories, the characters need to connect on an emotional level. Without that, it is nothing more than a magic act that would not be the headliner on the Vegas Strip.

In the touring production, Nick Dillenburger, as Harry Potter, captures that boy-like charm with a dash of immaturity that people want from the iconic wizard. Yes, he stands up to challenges in the difficult moments, but his impetuous nature creates chaos.

Dillenburger captures that dichotomy well. The audience yearns to cheer for the “old” Harry, but he is also rash, self-centered, and a little too demanding. Getting older does not equal maturity. This Harry is still learning, and Dillenburger shines in these moments of vulnerability.

Playing Harry’s son, Albus, Adam Grant Morrison highlights the teenage bravado well. More importantly, he has this relatable everyman quality. Carrying someone else’s name is a high burden to bear. That weight can be felt in Morrison’s expressions and cadence. In the end, when he shakes the expectations, the final scenes feel lighter, almost like a new person on the stage.

The most surprising character and portrayal is David Fine as Scorpius Malfoy. Even proud members of Slytherin House can question the Malfoys’ ways. As soon as this Malfoy legacy hits the stage, it is clear that he is far different from his sinister heritage.

Although Fine can sometimes be overly dramatic in his mannerisms, the choice emphasizes how different this Malfoy is from the other characters. It is more than just longing for acceptance. The balance between needy and emotional is one that Fine does well. Scorpius might be a Malfoy, but he has found his “light” side.

Overall, Harry Potter fans will be enthralled with this production. It has all the elements and references to the classic tales. If someone is unfamiliar with the storyline, they will feel a little out of touch or wish that they had some Scribb notes.

At the same time, it stands on its own as a complete story. Even with some traditional fictional tropes, it has depth that makes the audience cheer for the characters, want to join their journey, and relate to the universality of their inner plight.

Most importantly, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is about relationships and expectations. It serves as a reminder that no one should fit into a preconceived role, persona, or path. Being able to take that personal journey and follow it wherever it goes is vital. Parents, friends, and others can cheer from the sideline, but they should never drag or push a person in a direction.

The biggest takeaway is simple. A name, a heritage, or even the Sorting Hat’s declaration is not a curse. Dark clouds can be present, but there is always a shining light waiting to break through. But, people have to be willing to take that step to find it.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the national tour, is currently playing at the Dr. Phillips Center in Orlando, Florida. The only Florida stop runs until February 15, 2026. Use code POTTER10 to receive 10% off tickets at checkout.