New Casting for ‘Harry Potter and the Cursed Child’

Exciting Changes in the Wizarding World

Broadway’s enchanting production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” has recently revealed some exciting changes in its cast lineup. The magical journey continues with fresh faces stepping into iconic roles.

On the 14th of November, fans can look forward to Cara Ricketts and Daniel Fredrick taking on the pivotal roles of Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley, respectively, as they replace Jenny Jules and David Abeles. Furthermore, Jane Bruce will now grace the stage as Delphi Diggory, a character previously portrayed by Imani Jade Powers. The departing actors, Jules, Abeles, and Powers, will bid farewell to their roles on November 12.

But that’s not all. The ensemble is also welcoming some new talent, with John Alix, William Bednar, Eric Cheung, Jamyl Dobson, Eleasha Gamble, Kaléa Leverette, Kira Player, Gabrielle Reid, and Emily Schultheis joining the cast. They will share the stage with the existing cast members, including Steve Haggard as Harry Potter, Angela Reed as Ginny Potter, Joel Meyers as Albus Potter, Maya Jerome Thomas as Rose Granger-Weasley, Aaron Bartz as Draco Malfoy, and Erik Christopher Peterson as Scorpius Malfoy, along with ensemble members Chadd Alexander, Quinn Blades, Darby Breedlove, Ted Deasy, Irving Dyson Jr., Kira Fath, Gary-Kayi Fletcher, Logan James Hall, Abbi Hawk, Chance Marshaun Hill, Edward James Hyland, Nick Hyland, Jax Jackson, Jack Koenig, Erik Evan Olson, Alexandra Peter, William Rhem Jr., Stephen Spinella, Tom Stephens, and Karen Janes Woditsch. Casting decisions are artfully made by Jim Carnahan.

In addition to this exciting casting news, the production has also announced a series of special events set for October, just in time for the Halloween season.

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” first graced the stage on April 22, 2018, at the Lyric Theatre, captivating audiences worldwide. This theatrical marvel is produced by the collaborative efforts of Sonia Friedman, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.

‘Spamalot’ Reveals its Complete Cast

Preparing for the Hilarity of ‘Spamalot’

The highly anticipated revival of “Spamalot” has unveiled its complete cast. Directed and choreographed by the talented Josh Rhodes, this musical comedy promises to bring endless laughter and joy to the audience.

Scheduled to begin previews on October 31 and officially open on November 16 at the St. James Theatre, “Spamalot” has added some fresh faces to its ensemble. Joining the production are the ensemble members Daniel Beeman, Maria Briggs, Gabriella Enriquez, Michael Fatica, Denis Lambert, Shina Ann Morris, Kaylee Olson, Kristin Piro, Drew Redington, and Tyler Roberts. In addition, there are also swings, including Anju Cloud, Darrell T. Joe, Lily Kaufmann, and Charlie Sutton. The cast further includes standbys David Josefsberg, who will cover for Sir Lancelot, Sir Robin, Sir Bedevere, and Patsy, and Graham Stevens, who will step in for King Arthur, Sir Galahad, Sir Bedevere, and Sir Lancelot.

These talented individuals will grace the stage alongside previously announced cast members, including Christopher Fitzgerald as Patsy, James Monroe Iglehart as King Arthur, Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer as the Lady of the Lake, Ethan Slater as the Historian/Prince Herbert, Jimmy Smagula as Sir Bedevere, Michael Urie as Sir Robin, Nik Walker as Sir Galahad, and Taran Killam as Sir Lancelot. It’s worth noting that Alex Brightman will replace Taran Killam on January 9, 2024. Casting decisions have been expertly handled by JZ Casting.

Based on the iconic movie “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” penned by the brilliant minds of Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, “Spamalot” is a hilarious journey filled with laughter and absurdity.

This uproarious production is proudly produced by Jeffrey Finn, who also serves as the vice president and executive producer of theater and artistic director of Broadway Center Stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

‘Shrek the Musical’ Enchants Audiences at New Wimbledon Theatre

A Journey into the World of Shrek

“Shrek the Musical,” a delightful stage adaptation of the beloved DreamWorks animated film franchise, has been captivating audiences since its premiere on Broadway in 2008. With its whimsical storytelling, memorable characters, and astounding technical achievements, including transformative prosthetic makeup, this musical has left a lasting impression.

This enchanting production received multiple Tony Award nominations and clinched the Tony for Best Costume Design. It also found success in the West End in 2011, where it garnered rave reviews and an Olivier Award nomination. Since then, “Shrek the Musical” has embarked on numerous successful UK tours and has become a beloved favorite among amateur theater companies.

Now, Shrek and his motley crew are hitting the road once again, as a new tour is making its way across the UK. At the New Wimbledon Theatre in London, audiences have the golden opportunity to immerse themselves in the magical world of Shrek and his quirky companions.

Just like in the beloved film, the audience joins Shrek and his loyal sidekick Donkey on an epic quest to vanquish a fearsome dragon and rescue the beautiful Princess Fiona. This musical extravaganza boasts a heartwarming tale, unforgettable characters, and the beloved hit song “I’m A Believer,” along with an original score by Jeanine Tesori that has won the hearts of audiences far and wide. Get ready to leave your worries behind and embark on a journey filled with laughter, love, and ogre-sized fun.

As our beloved hero Shrek, Antony Lawrence impresses with his powerful performance. Lawrence effortlessly tackles the familiar songs and infuses the character with wit, joy, and a healthy dose of burps and farts. His rendition of Shrek is nothing short of wonderful, capturing the hearts of many.

Playing the perfect sidekick, Donkey, Lee Sears brings the character to life with impeccable timing and fresh humor. He delivers all of Donkey’s iconic one-liners with a punchy edge and showcases his impressive vocal prowess throughout.

Joanne Clifton shines as Princess Fiona, embodying the character’s essence with flair and charm. Her performance is both endearing and captivating, enchanting the hearts of young and old alike.

James Gillan delights as the villainous Lord Farquaad, adding a playful touch to his performance that resonates with the audience. With sly winks and nuanced humor, Gillan’s portrayal is a crowd-pleaser.

The ensemble cast, playing a variety of fairy-tale characters, delivers commendable performances, providing plenty of belly laughs and showcasing their impressive vocal talents.

Philip Witcomb’s inventive and fun costumes are easily recognizable and add to the sense of magic. Nina Dunn’s stunning video design work for the set is visually captivating when displayed on the back wall, although it may lose some clarity when projected on the front curtain during the show.

Directors Samuel Holmes and Nick Winston craft a fun-filled show with a clear focus on entertaining children. While the story is a fairy tale, what makes “Shrek” truly endearing is its nods to adult humor and pop culture references. In this production, some of the popular culture references seemed to be glossed over, missing the musical theater references that are integral to the score. While some lines have been updated to align with current terminology, others remain untouched, resulting in missed jokes and a slight disconnect between the cast and the audience. This production of “Shrek” feels somewhat rushed as a result.

Since its premiere in 2008, “Shrek The Musical” has become a cherished family favorite. Audiences can enjoy their beloved characters on screen in the films and then witness them come to life on stage. While not without its imperfections, this production hits the right notes with its enchanting performances and catchy tunes, ensuring that young and old alike will be thoroughly entertained.

Derren Brown’s ‘Unbelievable’ at Criterion Theatre – A Mesmerizing Experience

Magic and Mind-Reading Like Never Before

Prepare to be spellbound by “Unbelievable,” a captivating live magic show created, written, and directed by the UK’s stage and screen phenomenon, Derren Brown, along with long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor. This new show takes magic to a whole new level, blending theater, illusion, sleight of hand, and mind reading into an evening that will leave you utterly astounded.

For decades, Derren Brown has been a solo act on stage, but “Unbelievable” marks a unique departure as it is performed by a talented cast. Currently playing at London’s Criterion Theatre, this show promises to mystify and entertain while showcasing the remarkable abilities of its cast as they redefine live magic.

The show opens with audience engagement, as attendees are asked to participate by sharing their names if they’re willing to be part of the magic. Yolanda Ovide then interacts with the audience, roaming around with a video camera projected onto screens throughout the auditorium, creating an immediate sense of magic and connection.

The entertainment kicks off as the talented musicians—Hannah Price, Laura Andresen Guimarães, Izalni Batista Nascimento Junior, and Alexander Bean—take the stage with a lively brass band, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening.

Simon Lipkin, a West End favorite, greets the audience and performs his first trick, involving an unsuspecting audience member. The magic continues with a mesmerizing sleight-of-hand performance by Hannah Price, who uses the wedding rings from earlier audience participation. The show then takes a trip back to the American prohibition era, with Simon Lipkin becoming an all-singing, all-dancing American professor capable of turning water into wine. Several audience members join the fun onstage, requesting their favorite libations, and Simon happily obliges in this incredible trick.

Before the intermission, Yolanda Ovide introduces a playful optical illusion trick that allows audience members to participate onstage during the break, further involving them in the magic.

Act Two commences with a fantastic magic cube trick performed by Samuel Creasey, once again featuring audience participation. Creasey’s trick is followed by an impressive mind-reading performance by Hannah Price, who amazes the audience by reading the minds of participants and creating musical magic.

Yolanda Ovide returns to the stage, enlisting the help of a young audience member for an enchanting balloon trick, simple yet magical and delightful.

The show culminates with a mind-bending trick performed by Simon Lipkin and Samuel Creasey. They select an audience member at random, someone who had volunteered to participate earlier, and proceed to execute an astonishing feat of astral projection and mentalism that leaves the audience in awe. It’s one of those moments that you truly have to see to believe, adding an extra layer of mystique to the evening.

“Derren Brown’s Unbelievable” is a mesmerizing fusion of theatrical craftsmanship, magic, and mentalism that promises to captivate and delight audiences. With numerous awe-inspiring moments and ample opportunities for audience participation, Brown has crafted an unforgettable night of entertainment. His unique blend of psychological prowess and showmanship transports viewers into a world where the improbable becomes reality, all while actively involving them in the magic. “Unbelievable” stands as a testament to Brown’s exceptional talent and dedication, ensuring an evening filled with wonder and amazement for both seasoned fans and newcomers alike.