Broadway’s spellbinding sensation Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has released a high school edition and the Illinois premiere, presented by the Coal CIty Theatre Department, is just hours away.
The Coal City Theatre Department was one of 70 high school theatre programs to submit an application as part of Broadway Licensing Global’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: High School Edition Wands at the Ready contest, and just 29 schools across the nation—one per state—were selected to premiere the two-act play this fall.
Selection was based on the content of a short video submission showcasing the applicants commitment to the arts, inclusion and diversity. Theatre Director Jack Micetich and his students put together a Harry Potter themed video that showcases how the Coal City School District encourages and supports its students to be well rounded individuals who can engage in activities they enjoy and simultaneously be successful in academics, arts and athletics.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase all our school district has to offer and the support our school community provides us,” Micetich said.
Micetich received notification of his program's selection to produce the new high school edition in January. In fact, he was on a bus headed to the Illinois Theatre Festival where his students were performing another premiere production for the program when the email arrived.
“It’s very exciting to be premiering this show for everyone to see. It truly feels magical,” said Mason Natyshok, a senior, who is taking on the role of Draco Malfoy.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is based on an original story by y J. K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany. The play opens 19 years after Harry and his pals, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger saved the wizarding world. Now their children—Albus Potter and Rose Granger Weasley—are heading to Hogwarts.
When Harry’s son, Albus befriends the son of this fiercest rival, Draco, it sparks an unbelievable new journey for all of them with the power to change the past and future forever.
Coal City’s take on the show is filled with theatrical magic and spells that will transport audiences in a race through time, and Hogwarts History.
“Harry Potter fans and those who are new to the story will enjoy the tale that unfolds on the stage. Our cast and crew are so engaged and enthusiastic, and excited to bring the next chapter of Harry Potter to life on stage for audiences,” Micetich said.
The opening performance, of a five show run, is Thursday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Coal City Performing Arts Center at Coal City High School.
The 39 member cast is led by Jordan Olson, as Albus Potter and Brody D’Orazio in the role of Scorpius Malfoy. Along with Theo Fritz as Harry Potter, Eliana Chernesky as Hermoine, Julian Micetich in the role of Ron and Natyshok as Draco.
Isabella Byers takes the stage as Ginny Potter, the role of Rose Granger-Wasley is played by Olivia Sage, Melody Kinder is the show’s Professor McGonagall, and Caroline Childers takes on the role of Delphi Diggory.
The cast is further comprised of: Mason Hamilton, Logan Hausman, Austin Harding, Aubrey Grunwald, Lexi Dearth, Evelyn Wills, Jack Steinhouse, Maxx Kramer, Gianna Carver, Gavin Clubb, Gianna Savarino, Alec Waliczek, Alex Carlson, Anastasia Papach, Bobby Rodriguez, Charlotte Banks, Isabella Palacios, Hunter Pedigo, Victorya Morales and Wyatt Chase.
The tech, lighting and stage crew is comprised of: Ethan Donnelly, Hunter Gill, Gavin Berger, Abby Kodat, Mason Garner, Cade Poyner, Gavin Vestal, Ben Watson, Cooper Morris, Tyler Phillips, Talen VandeWerken, Jimmy Norris, Bridget Feeney, Gabbi VanDuyne and Gabriel Hamilton.
Additional shows are Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 20. A second weekend has been added with shows at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2 p.m. Reserved seat tickets are available in advance at bit.ly/CCTDTickets. Tickets for any remaining seats will be available at the door beginning one hour prior to each scheduled performance. Admission is $10 per seat—cash only at the door.