This fall, the drama program put on their version of the show, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a current large-scale, pop culture production. Smaller, more contemporary plays are normally York’s specialty, but this play is a unique alternative. A play newly available to Chicagoland high schools, coming from London and making its way to Broadway in Chicago, gives our high school a special opportunity to produce it.
John Forsythe, the director of the play, chooses plays for York drama that excite him and being a big fan of the Harry Potter franchise himself, he took advantage of this happy circumstance. Though it’s a change of pace from past years, this show had a valuable story to tell, leading to Forsythe’s decision to take the chance.
“This is a once in a decade opportunity, it never happens,” Forsythe said. “I think this is the only time a show this popular has been made available to high schools. So of course, I had to jump on it.”
This has been a golden opportunity for the actors, given this is a popular franchise and a show being performed close to home. Senior Quinn Tolman, along with other cast members, went to see the Chicago production and were lucky enough to talk to the actors after the show concluded. Through conversing and asking questions about the show, the experience was helpful in further understanding the production as well as just seeing it through the lens of an audience member.
“I love Harry Potter so much so it’s super fun immersing myself in the world of this show, and also getting to be a part of a show that’s currently in Chicago,” Tolman said. “It’s super fun to be in the process of doing it and see what it’s going to look like when we’re done.”
After seeing the show in Chicago or just watching the movies, the cast had high expectations of how magical the show would be like. The elaborate sets, special effects and lighting took a lot of adjusting. Even with setbacks like Tolman being in a boot and crutches during the production, the drama team came up with creative solutions to make that a part of his character. In a relatively short rehearsal process with a lot of moving parts, literally and figuratively, the show came together to be something everyone could be proud of.
“I like getting to see the show being put together throughout time,” Alina Aquino, sophomore and stage manager, said. “From the actors captivating the audience to the crew working in the background, everyone is working together to create a wonderful show.”
The process of putting together the show is often the most rewarding part for those involved. The connections made on and off the stage is a big pull towards theater, creating an environment people want to come back to.
“My favorite part is almost always the same thing,” Forsythe said. “It’s the rehearsal process, getting to watch the actors develop their characters, develop relationships and create magic, whether there’s magic in the show or not. That’s the most wonderful thing about theater, is watching connections grow.”
As for growth, Tolman getting a chance to be in the spotlight was a transformative experience. He played one of the two leads in the show, Albus Potter, and learned a lot along the way. Through immersing himself in the role and connecting with other cast members, he improved his acting skills and learned what he was capable of.
“[This role] has been really good for my confidence,” Tolman said. “The lead role is always what you dream for and this is the first lead role I’ve played. I proved to myself that I can take on a lead, also showing myself that I can branch out into different types of roles and that I’m not restricted to one type of character, so that’s opened a lot of doors for me.”
Forsythe likes to think that ‘the magic of the show was just window dressing for the deeper meaning’. Themes of acceptance, growing up, and family, the play hit hard for audience members and cast members alike. The characters were divided, but came together in the end, showing how differences can be put aside to accomplish a greater goal.
“I think we all, at some point in our lives, feel like a ‘cursed child,’” Forsythe said. “We learn to battle that curse and become our own person, which is what this show is all about. It’s a beautiful show for that reason because it has a connection we can all understand.”
