⚡ Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: A Magical Night at the Pantages + What I Wore
Theater Review | Outfit of the Day
As a proud millennial and theater kid I naturally had to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child for myself. When it came into town at the Hollywood Pantages Theater in Los Angeles my two friends andI seized the opportunity to make.a night of it. I’ve wanted to go since the play opened in London in 2016 and when the run time was 5 hours. But alas it has come to me and stands at 2 hours and 55 minutes plus an intermission.
I will share that I am a season ticket holder at the Pantages and the Ahmanson so I do in fact know ball. Now without further ado, let’s get into the review.
✨ The Show: Unexpected Effects + Nostalgia
I don’t want to give too much away, but if you’ve read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, it is exactly that. Although the book is not a personal favorite there was something magical about stepping back into that world with familiar characters and the historical knowledge we hold within ourselves as midnight book release alumni. The stage magic and effects are excellent and leave you questioning exactly how they made that happen. Some of the illusions left audile gasps in the crowd.
The story picks up years after the original series and follows Harry’s son Albus as he navigates life under the weight of a famous last name. The themes of the play are similar to the original series including identity, legacy, and friendship. Although knowing the lore of Harry and his world is helpful, it is not required. You do not have to read the Harry Potter books or the play to be able to follow along as the story is a self contained experience.
The story itself isn’t that strong and is fairly predictable but I reminded myself that this experience is not about the destination, but the journey. But I will admit that seeing Ron, Hermione, Harry, and Draco interact was chef’s kiss. The little version of me that was OBSESSED with them was glad to know that they’re doing alright. The actors performances were sincerely captivating and the overall message of family and self acceptance is wholesome and sweet.
This is a great production to bring older children to. But I will caveat that dementors do make an appearance and this may be frightening for smaller children. This effect is fairly brief but can be startling to some viewers.
One aspect of the production that I didn’t particularly love is all the cape-ography or robe choreography which happens throughout the play and is used as a transitional element. It took me out of the moment and felt similar to magicians in Vegas opposed to the prestigious witches and wizards at Hogwarts. But that is my personal opinion and this is a small percentage of the performance.
👗 What I Wore: Slytherin Alumni Coded
For a night as magical as this one, the outfit had to match the moment. Here’s what I pulled together:
- Green Double-Breasted Blazer — Boohoo Blazer
- Black Sheer turtleneck — Eloise Sheer Turtleneck from Marcella NYC
- Black Mini Skort – Princess Polly Mini Skort
- Knee-high boots — Schutz Maryana Suede Block Heel Boot
- Black Hat — Amazon News Boy Cap
- Gold chain crossbody bag — Burberry Olympia Bag with Gold Chain
- Black Tights — Noosh Sheer Tights
- Felix Felicis Pin/Brooch — Universal Studios Pin Set
I was a happy little Slytherin. I grabbed my Playbill on the way in and it made for the perfect prop at the step-and-repeat!
Final Verdict
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — 3.5/5 magical moments
SUPPORT THE ARTS, always. But, But Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as a great time that got my in the nostalgia feels. Overall the performances were great, the practical effects were bewitching and I’m glad that I got to experience it.
If you were a Harry Potter fan at any point in your life, I’d give Harry Potter and the Cursed Child a shot. Which is now playing on Broadway at the Lyric Theater in New York City. And if you’re lucky, you can catch Tom Felton who is reprising his role as Draco Malfoy until November 1st.
Have you seen Cursed Child? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! And if you’re planning to go, drop any questions below. Until next time…
Knox!
