Growing up, I was an avid reader of the “Harry Potter” series. In 2016, when authors J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany released  “The Cursed Child”—the last installment and a spinoff of Rowling’s original series—I rushed to Barnes & Noble to buy a copy of the script book. 

However, I was severely disappointed. I found the plot lacking and dull compared to the original series, limited character development and little to no action. In fact, it was a struggle to finish the book. Hence, when I walked into the James M. Nederlander Theater, I had low expectations.

The lights dimmed, the theater grew quiet, and for the next 2 hours and 55 minutes, I was astounded. From spells to flight to incredible set changes, the “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” Broadway play was truly a magical experience. 

Currently playing at the Nederlander Theater in Chicago until Feb. 1, the plot follows Albus Severus Potter—son of Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley—through his journey for independence from his father’s spotlight. Along the way, Albus befriends Scorpius Malfoy—son of Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass (deceased)—who is rumored to be the son of Voldemort, the major villain of the original series. Together, they team up with wizard Amos Diggory’s niece Delphi and travel through time in a scheme to prevent the death of Amos’ son, Cedric, who died in book four: “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” While I generally felt that it was an unimaginative and repetitive plot, I appreciated the humorous bits scattered throughout that cued genuine laughter from the audience. 

Though the plot had its shortcomings, I think that the special effects of the play make up for it. In magic battles, wizards would cast spells where balls of fire would seemingly shoot through the air, transporting the audience into the realm of Hogwarts. To me, the most impressive part was the play’s interpretation of the Polyjuice Potion. This potion allows drinkers to shapeshift into another person as long as they obtain a part of the person, such as a hair or fingernail. When Albus, Scorpius, and Delphi disguise themselves as Ron Weasley, Harry Potter, and Hermione Granger, respectively, they seamlessly vanish from their cloaks, and the characters of their disguise take their place. This transition was so smooth that I could not even see the first set of characters leaving the stage. 

Another effect I enjoyed was the portrayal of flight, where characters would be suspended in mid-air some 10 to 20 feet above the ground without a visible harness or ropes. I also thought that the effects used in certain set changes were exceptionally well executed. For instance, the use of UV light in the transition to Delphi’s bedroom left me stunned, and I also enjoyed the depiction of the train, the Hogwarts Express.

Conversely, I was underwhelmed with certain scenes, such as the final one, where suitcases were arranged on the floor to represent graves, which was highly confusing. I felt that was not a scene where corners should have been cut. In addition, the dementors, creatures that suck souls from people, looked like cheap Halloween decorations to me. This really took away from the scare factor and seriousness of those parts. In comparison to the movies, the dementors bore little resemblance. Lastly, I felt that there was a lot of potential for the Hogwarts set to be more detailed, but I was left disappointed. Instead of the intricate details I was expecting, the set mirrored a standard library.  

For the most part, I thought the cast was well-selected. Albus played his role effectively, though Scorpius was a tad one-dimensional. Comedic relief characters such as the Sorting Hat, Ron Weasley, and Neville Longbottom brought the right amount of energy and enthusiasm. Harry, Ginny, and Draco demonstrated the maturity of adults, emphasizing the gap in time since the previous book of the series. My favorite character of the show, though, was Delphi. With her bright blue hair, sarcastic remarks, and mysterious personality, she was a very dynamic and lively character.

In total, I have mixed feelings about the play where I was both amazed and unsatisfied by certain displays of magic, sets and characters. I would recommend it for a mildly entertaining experience that can be enjoyed as a magic show.