Just when you think you’ve experienced all live theatre can do, the line is pushed even further into the realm of utter amazement.
The latest “did-you-see-that?” moments come in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, at Providence Performing Arts Center through Oct. 4. Mind-warping visual trickery and clever direction take this written-for-stage franchise extension to unimaginable levels in a three-hour feast of magic and imagination.
Set 19 years after the last Harry Potter book, “Cursed Child” brings audiences into the lives of friends Harry, Hermione and Ron, all grown with powerful positions and sending their children to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizarding. As if life in his revered father’s shadow isn’t hard enough, Harry’s son Albus is assigned to the house known for black magic where he befriends Scorpius, son of Harry’s childhood enemy, Draco Malfoy.
Both boys are bullied – rumors say Scorpius is actually the son of Lord Voldemort, a being so feared that others won’t say his name – and they decide to go back in time to change events to benefit Harry. Instead, the move triggers other life-altering changes they then need to address in additional trips back in time.
The back and forth – marked each time by an astonishing visual warping of the set and distorted audio – is marked by trickery and deception at the hands of Delphi, a spoiler alert disguised as a young girl.
The adventure teaches the boys, and the parents and teachers searching for them, the meaning and value of friendship and respect for the flawed humanity of others.
While multiple layers and characters with long backstories can make Cursed Child somewhat confusing for Harry Potter novices – why is Headmistress Umbridge significant? What does polyjuice potion do? – the show is still completely entertaining for all.
Who wouldn’t enjoy a ravenous, riddle-spinning bookcase, aerial soul transport by evil wraiths called Dementors, or characters disappearing – or appearing – with the flip of a cloak? This show is a work of art, with scenes of students toting airborne suitcases or constantly moving staircases with people aboard choreographed to perfect precision.
Driving the action is a cast commanding powerful presence even if offering few words. Ryan Hallahan, for example, has meager lines as Draco but his portrayal of the character’s evolution from stiff and standoffish to supportive and loving is masterful. Mackenzie Lesser-Roy is on stage for only one part of a scene but her writhing, cackling Moaning Myrtle is hysterically memorable.
Equally endearing are show leads – Adam Grant Morrison as Albus Potter and David Fine as Scorpius Malfoy – who perfectly embody teenage angst and rebelliousness, with Fine providing just the right whine. The romantic love hinted at in their relationship is simply precious.
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” is a magical experience of the very best theatre has to offer. For tickets to the show, go to www.ppacri.org.