“Cursed Child” Reportedly Exploring Changes to Production

by · May 6, 2021

It’s been a tough 12 months for productions of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as theatrical performances across the world were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The light seemed to be on the horizon with the opening of the Melbourne production earlier this year, but MuggleNet has since learned that even with the slow reopening of additional productions, Cursed Child might not look the same as it did pre-pandemic.

First reported in the New York Times, the Broadway production team was said to be “rethinking its length and structure” before considering options for how and when the play can reopen. Despite most of New York’s iconic theater scene eyeing a return in September, the article suggests that Cursed Child has set its sights on 2022 for a grand reopening. If this is the case, it would mean that the New York production would open after its San Francisco and London counterparts, which are currently set to resume performances on December 1, 2021, and October 10, 2021, respectively.

 

 

Although the New York Times article suggests that the Broadway production is considering alterations, MuggleNet has since learned that the workshop process has actually begun in London. In an email sent to Broadway and San Francisco companies from Cursed Child producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, it was revealed that the first stage of a workshop process that “explored all aspects of the production” has been completed, with “more work taking place next month.”

We can only speculate as to which elements will be considered for alterations, but it appears likely that there will be some changes to the existing production. While it is not unusual for productions to undergo changes throughout their runs, it is possible that these changes could be tied to financial concerns after Cursed Child was unable to claim losses incurred through the COVID-19 shutdowns after its insurers refused to pay out.

Any changes to the length and structure of the two-part play will not only have implications for theatergoers’ experiences but are also sure to reignite debates around Cursed Child‘s place in the Potter canon. That being said, according to the email, the production teams are working hard to “put the show in the best possible position to return strongly and settle into a long run.” 

Make sure to check back with MuggleNet to speculate with us and of course, be the first to hear about any possible changes to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

 

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