‘Harry Potter’ play takes audiences 19 years into future of magic universe

CHICAGO — ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ aims to convey the magic of the books and films for live audiences when it opens at the Nederlander Theater this month, the first stop on its North American tour.

It’s been 27 years since the first ‘Harry Potter’ book was published, and the play picks up where the seventh and final book ended, taking audiences 19 years into the future of the Potter magic universe.

“Harry is married to Ginny and they’re seeing their son Albus off to Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione are married. They’re seeing their daughter Rose go to Hogwarts. Draco is seeing his son Scorpius to Hogwarts and unexpected friendships are made and mystery happens,” explained actor John Skelley, who portrays Harry Potter.

The production features a couple of Chicagoland connections in the cast.

Matt Mueller, an Evanston native and Chicago actor, plays Harry Potter’s best friend Ron Weasley. Emmett Smith plays Albus Potter, Harry’s son. Smith graduated from Northwestern University just three years ago and said he was excited to play the famous character for a Midwest audience.

“Bringing this play to folks who didn’t get to see it in New York yet, and folks who are Chicago theater lovers and Potterheads alike, it’s just so special. And I hope that we can bring in new theater-goers. Something so cool about this show is its draw for first-time audiences, and the magic that that opportunity provides is really special,” Smith said.

The original play that debuted in London in 2016 was spread over two nights. This production runs a little under three hours.

“I would compare it to condensing Shakespeare,” said actor Aiden Close, who plays Scorpius Malfoy. “Like really getting at the heart of the story so that it thrusts forward and it makes it more accessible for audiences.”

Actress Trish Lindstrom, who plays Ginny Potter, said she loves the fact that while audiences will see the wizard world, they’ll see characters with relatable issues.

“It’s still so grounded and human,” she said.

Previews for the show begin Tuesday, with opening night set for September 26. ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’ runs through February 1. Tickets are available through the Broadway in Chicago website .

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