Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - 1st National Tour

After nearly 6.5 years of playing on Broadway, the producers and creative team of "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" will launch a 1st National Tour this September 10th in Chicago.

The cast for the tour was announced this morning, featuring John Skelley as Harry Potter, who returns to the titular role after starring in the San Francisco sit-down production. Alongside Skelley will be Matt Mueller as Ron Weasley, Ebony Blake as Hermione Granger, Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter, and more.

The tour will play in Chicago through February 1, 2025, after which it will travel to Hollywood's Pantages Theatre for an engagement from February 13 through June 22. Following this, it will move on to The National Theatre in Washington, DC, where it will begin performances on July 8.

Really curious to hear how the effects work, I heard from someone that the main change is getting rid of the onstage water (which makes sense), but I'd assume there's more than that too.

chrishuyen said: "Really curious to hear how the effects work, I heard from someone that the main change is getting rid of the onstage water (which makes sense), but I'd assume there's more than that too."

I don't even remember the water?

Anyone gone in the first week?

It’s a solid production, with an especially strong Act 2. I caught the Sept 10 performance.

I went in as blind as possible. Never read the Harry Potter books. I likely would have picked up on more references if familiar with the characters.

Every few minutes, there is clever, magical staging. The show held my interest. I especially liked the bookcase scene.

There isn’t a pool of water as referenced above, but there is a time traveling fountain.

Great lighting, great direction.

But TOO many dramatic flourishes of capes!

Larry Yando isn’t Goodman’s Scrooge this year. He has picked a worthy project.

Call_me_jorge said: "Probably a rarity for tours nowadays, but this production has gotten away with havinga trap door! It’s utilized for the moaning Myrtle scene and a handful of other scenes.

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No, there's an actual pool of water in the Bway & West End production. I'm also assuming it's not in the touring production.

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Saw the show in London so curious what effects were kept from the longer version. How does Act 1 end?

Thanks! Taking a friend in Chicago so want to make sure it’s up to par.

theatregeek25 said: "My partner won the lottery last week so we saw theHarry Pottertour on Thurs., 9/12. It's a solid, entertaining version of the play, although another 30 minutes has been cut from the original text. The story is basically the same. The magic is fine. Strong performances by all, especially Larry Yando as Snape."

When you say 30 minutes cut from the original text? Do you mean from the original Two Part version? Or from the reduced One Part version? I can't imagine 30 minutes cut from the One Part version without the plot being completely thrown out the window?

It is indeed now just 2:50. It moves in hyperspeed, especially at the beginning of the show. An article in the Tribune seemed to indicate that this is going to be the official version of the one-part show moving forward, which is a... choice.

In the second task of the triwizard tournament the tour will no longer be using live performances for the swimming/flying section. It will now be projected footage of the swimming. I presume this is a cost cutting measure.

Updated On: 11/8/24 at 08:19 PM

After five months, the tour completed its first leg in Chicago last night. It will be on a two week layoff as it prepares its move to LA for the first performance on the 15th. Here is a photo of the touring and Chicago local crew of the show. Lots of folks back and front house making the magic happen every night!

Ebony Blake, the Hermione from the tour, is unfortunately out on medical leave for cancer treatment. Wish her an easy and speedy recovery! https://gofund.me/549496e3

"Last year, Ebony underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy to treat cancer — all while rehearsing to play Hermione in The First National Tour of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" — with bravery, grace, and grit.

She'd hoped that chapter was closed, but unfortunately, adenoid cystic carcinoma had other plans.

This week, Ebony is undergoing complex surgery at Mt. Sinai in NYC as the next step of this process. Her team is the best of the best and her spirits are high — but our love and support are needed now.

The recovery process will likely be long and may involve additional radiation or surgery, so Ebony has had to step away from the show for the time being. Your contributions will help with medical bills and living expenses, and most importantly, give Ebony and James peace of mind so she can rest and heal."