Wands and potions, witches and wizards: the wonder and magic of the Harry Potter world is well known and loved by many. CHS is no exception to this, with theater putting on productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on April 30, May 1, and May 2. {on date}.
The story follows Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Potter, the next generation of the Harry Potter legacy, through their journey in Hogwarts.
The idea originally came from last year’s Advanced Theater, which participated in a competition for the rights to put on the production. Although CHS did not win priority production rights, the necessary permission was obtained shortly after, and the decision was released. And thus, the creation of the beloved story was set in motion.
Senior Zoe Abergel, a member of the makeup and hairstyle crew, talks about the theater’s reaction to the news of the play.
“The school licensing agreement had just been announced, and it got everyone excited,” Abergel said.
From there, roles needed to be assigned. Senior Aidan Furmanski landed the lead role of Albus Potter, with senior Apollo von Wodtke as co-star Scorpius Malfoy. Going back to beloved characters from the original book series, senior Mairead Lucke received the role of the talented Hermione Granger. There is no doubt that each person gave it their all auditioning to be the best they can be for each role.
When asked about why he chose to audition for Albus Potter, Furmanski said that he wanted to improve his skills.
“I wanted to play somebody unlike anybody I’d played before,” Furmaski said. “I strive to challenge myself, to learn how to play somebody younger than me by authentically portraying their adolescent traits; something I wouldn’t say I’m naturally good at.”
Similarly, von Wodtke reveals the reason why he was drawn to the character of Scorpius.
“He cares about his friends a lot, which I also believe and I always have fun when working with my friends,” von Wodtke said. “Being him also allows me to dye my hair white which I think is pretty wicked.”
While the acting is happening on stage, the crew backstage are working their own magic—their wands come in the form of paint, lighting, makeup, and costumes.
Production Stage Manager, senior Nathalie Sabicer, oversees the entire project: lighting, costumes, makeup, and the whole process.
“PSMs [production stage managers] are responsible for calling shows or timing the audio and lighting cues during performances,” Sabicer said. “I basically get to see the show go from designs and sketches to the show everyone sees on stage, which is my favorite part of the job.”
Nothing would be complete without a little dash of actual magic. As Harry Potter is best known for the magical elements of being witches and wizards, the challenge of putting these powers on stage is quite impressive to pull off.
Everyone, from the stars of the show to backstage workers, can agree that the best part of the production is the illusions.
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child obviously includes lots of magic so it has been really exciting to see how we are bringing these magical elements to our theater’s stage,” Sabicer said. “But honestly, we have an incredibly talented design and technical team working on this show, so I’m super excited to see how all aspects of the show come together to create this magical world.”
With both the onstage and backstage magic, the two halves come together to form the world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Stay on the lookout, CHS. Something a little less ordinary and a bit more magical is coming to campus soon.
