Got to see the Year 2 cast tonight! I saw the original London cast / OBC many times, so it was really exciting to see all these new faces!
Overall, it was a great day! I *really* enjoyed the new ensemble, and the majority of the new leads are fantastic. They have implemented a long list of very small changes throughout the entire show, which I cannot imagine anyone besides a mega fan like me would notice. Most are for the better, and it made the show feel so fresh! I’ll include a list of changes in spoiler box below.
James Snyder is shockingly a phenomenal Harry Potter. He owns the role and was a great leader. Jenny Jules as Hermione was another standout. Nicholas Podany also gave Albus relatability and redeemability that I personally didn’t think was possible. The supporting actresses also really shined, more so than ever before (particularly those playing Rose, Pentunia, and McGonnegal.) The new cast makes a lot of new acting choices, and it feels like they elevated the piece even further. Also. Stephen Spinella? The amount of dedication he put into today was enthralling. When he cast his Patronous, he f*cking CAST it.
The only miss for me is Bubba Wieler as Scorpius. While I’m a massive Anthony Boyle fan, I’m not a purist, and I’ve enjoyed Alex and Nathan as understudies in this role, too. But Bubba is treating the character like a pantomime. He makes Scorpius downright annoying with his constant flailing and booming characterisms - it made Albus look levelheaded and humble, which he is not. It was just...so off-putting.
And to comment on the above conversation about Lauren as Myrtle, I personally have no problem with how big she plays the role. The audience adores the character, and it’s very true to the essence of Myrtle. Plus, Lauren is simply devastating as Lily Potter Sr, so I’m very happy she signed on again.
This was only their 7th full performance, and I’m sure they well all continue to grow and evolve. I’m curious how they will all evolve as they grow more comfortable. The all seemed grasping for their next lines at one point or another, which is understandable as it’s 5 hours. Jenny also almost had a mishap with a certain stunt in Act 2, so there is still PLENTY to fine tune.
- Changes I noticed -
Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content
- Choreography has changed (slightly, but enough) in:
- the opening scene
- wand dance
- Draco/Harry due
- Act 3 opener
- Act 3 "Voldemort World" transitions have been relocked
- the second Act 4 pumpkin transition
- A dozen or two of new/updated/cut lines sprinkled throughout, but absolutely nothing significant, except for a prolonged metaphor about Tom Riddle by Draco in Act 2.
- New sound and lighting effects/cues have been added throughout.
- All spells are now cast with more grandeur (wider strokes, bigger enunciation). Overall, the whole evening feels more "magical"