Michael Garret'26
This past October, our Journalism club, along with many other students, had the pleasure of viewing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. The show, rich with wacky time-travel antics, emotional depth, and well-timed comedy, captivated us all.
Set almost 20 years after the final book, the story centers around the adult versions of beloved characters and their Hogwarts-aged children, particularly Harry’s youngest son, Albus Severus Potter, and Draco’s son, Scorpius Malfoy. Both boys grapple with the pressures of their family legacies. Albus, sorted into Slytherin, finds himself isolated, with Scorpius as his only friend.
A pivotal moment occurs when Albus overhears a conversation between his father and Cedric Diggory’s father, Amos. In a bid to prove himself, Albus decides to steal a Time Turner to save Cedric, dragging Scorpius and Delphi Diggory, Amos’s niece, into his plan. The plot thickens, with the play originally being two parts, and this just scratches the surface of part one.
This was also an opportunity to experience New York City in the fall. Many of us went to the Winter Market in Bryant Park and the Public Library, adding another dimension to our educational experience. Thank you to Mx. Damon and those at TDF for giving us this experience.
Student Reflections
Markus Kruszeski was thrilled by the scenes where Dementors flew around the theatre and Voldemort walked through the aisle. The costumes, transitions, and special effects, especially during the time travel scenes, left a lasting impression on him. Experiencing his first Broadway play, Markus expressed a newfound interest in watching the Harry Potter movies.
Luis Morales enjoyed the city trip, appreciating the authentic feel of the city and the impressive effects of time skips in the play. His favorite moments included the realistic depiction of the Dementors and the intense chair scene between Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy.
Kevin Bumble was captivated by the theatre's decor and the immersive experience. He highlighted the thrilling scene where Scorpius Malfoy finds himself in an alternate reality where Harry Potter is dead, and the Dementors appear, bringing a sense of dread and beauty to the scene.
Glenn Heidtmann appreciated the freedom of the city trip and enjoyed the play, especially the fiery wand scene near the end. The sounds and character movements made it an enjoyable experience with friends.
Griselda Chapeton loved the show and its special effects, particularly the time travel ripple and the Dementors descending into the crowd. She found the trip fun and was glad to have had the experience.
Bella Bumble enjoyed exploring the city and filming for GPO TV. As a long-time Harry Potter fan, she found the play exciting, especially the lake scene with Scorpius and Albus. Overall, she enjoyed spending time with friends and watching the show.
Emely Rivas found the trip exciting, enjoying the city sights and the play's special effects and character arcs. She especially appreciated the development of Scorpius and Albus's relationship and was moved by the scene where Harry's parents were killed by Voldemort.
Kelsey Hernandez relished the freedom in the city and was impressed by the show's special effects, such as the time travel scenes and floating objects. Her favorite part was when the Dementors descended into the audience, making it her second favorite Broadway show.
Lea Rodger found the play visually amusing and emotionally intriguing. She was drawn to Albus Potter's struggle with his family legacy, finding it powerful as he discovered his purpose and strengths.
Rylee Smith was fascinated by the scene where Dementors killed Hermione and Ron in the alternate timeline, drawing parallels with a similar scene in "The Flash." She found the similarities between the two shows intriguing.
Overall, the students had a fantastic experience watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, enjoying both the play and the city adventure.