This Spring, the Jackson Preparatory School Theatre program will be putting on a production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” The play, rooted in J.K. Rowling’s magical world, is an innovative take following the story of Harry Potter and friends’ children. Primarily, the play centers around Albus Potter’s journey as an incoming Hogwarts student, struggling to find his place amongst other students. As he makes his way, Albus forms an unexpected friendship with Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Malfoy. The two friends’ journey through identity vs. friendship serve as the backbone of this new edition to the wizarding world. Throughout the play, the character’s transform into the younger versions of their own parents in order to save the late Cedric Diggory, who died in the Triwizard Tournament featured in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
Theater Director Ms. Emily Waterloo explained that the decision to choose Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was a no-brainer, saying that the plot provided an inclusive environment for all. “The script, costuming, and special effects created a world where we could go to our lower school all the way to the faculty.” When the script became available for high schools in 2024, Waterloo expressed immediate interest by jumping onto a waiting list for the actual waiting list to get the script and costumes. She also shared the sentimental value that the wizarding world provided for her students. “Our students grew up with the Harry Potter series, and this play is a fresh take that will resonate with the whole Prep community.” Junior Laurie Barbour, expressed her anticipation to be in the production. “It’s a really big Broadway production and I’m excited to see all the fanfare surrounding it. I’m also really excited to be in a production with teachers that have mentored me.”
One of the most outstanding parts of the play will be the use of pyrotechnics that will be used to bring the magic world from book pages to the stage. From explosive effects and light bursts accompanying spells during fight scenes to the use of an “invisibility cloak,” the special effects are sure to wow the audience with an extra layer of excitement. One spell that is sure to interest the audience is the technically difficult “polyjuice spell.” This scene serves as the turning point for the young characters as it is when they make the transformation to become the young version of their parents. The theater department is also hoping to involve the possibility of flying into the production. Ms. Waterloo is interested in hiring a “fly team” to direct performers on how to make broom-flying scenes look as life-like as possible.
Incorporating the newly-founded Lower School has also been a priority point for Ms. Waterloo and the rest of the theatre department. Having the cast consist of both seasoned seniors and younger students, has already fostered a mentor-centric environment that mimics a “big sibling” program. According to Ms. Waterloo, these advisory roles have already been beneficial in drawing younger students to participate in the theatre department. In particular, Lower School students have been pioneering intermission activities for the audience. The so-called “Magic Makers” program is one such example of this, where lower school students teach the audience spells during intermission. “Lower school students should continue in a curriculum based in learning, creatively involving the younger students, teaching professionalism to younger generations, and immersive learning. This sets them up for success, and allows them to handle more and more difficult theatre material as they get older.”
The cast and crew is another example of diversity across the Prep campus. From well known athletes, like Major Quin taking on acting roles, to new forms of advertisement with Preston Marion, founder of the Film Club, taking on videographic projects, the production is filled to the brim with Prep students eager to participate. The cast list features Lydia Jones, Lyla Jones, Jack Graves, Baxter Hughes, Memary Yates, Aiden Dungey, Madelyn Ready, Brookelyn Johnson, Zoe Parks, Morgan Grimes, CJ Harvey, Helen Ruth Dieckman, and many more.
This community building element is another key element with faculty members making special appearances in the show. Ms. Waterloo explained that several teachers expressed interest in being involved with the production, so she sent out an email not expecting many responses. To her surprise, Ms. Waterloo received 15 responses from teachers more than eager to take part. Some of these people include Nathan Devine as Severus Snape, and Head of School, Lawrence Coco, playing the storied role of Albus Dumbledore.
Overall, the story of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a story of the complex relationship between family legacy and forging your own path, all while delving into the concepts of whether or not changing the past is beneficial. A story that fans of the wizarding world. Tickets for the show, which will run April 26-29, can be found at JacksonPrep.ludus.com.
