Chop Suey aims for “first ever” performance of new Harry Potter play at the Byrd Theatre

by | Jul 8, 2016 | POLITICS

Oh man, I’m not a big Harry Potter guy but for some of you this is probably a huge deal.

Oh man, I’m not a big Harry Potter guy but for some of you this is probably a huge deal.

It’s been almost two decades since we last saw Harry Potter, the wizard child Wunderkind, and he’s since become a an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. The story turns into a fight for love and understanding as Harry deals with the issues of growing older and his family deals with his legendary legacy.

And all of this is a play. Yes, a play, written by John Tiffany and Jack Thorne, two respected members of UK’s theatre scene, and based on a new story by Potter author J.K. Rowling. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts I & II appears to be official cannon in the HP universe as well.

The play is set to open 30 July 2016 at the Palace Theatre, London, England, but Carytown’s Chop Suey Books is teaming up with the Byrd Theatre to offer a midnight performance of the new release, but they need your help.

“Because we will know basically nothing about the play before curtain call (12:15 AM), we really have no better way to cast this play than to let ANYONE who buys a book from us be in it,” read a release from Chop Suey sent out this AM. “Starting with a first buy, first cast basis, we will let each person who buys a book pick their role in the production. To give everyone a chance to perform, “understudies” will replace the actors every few pages or so, as determined by our stage manager (who is also to be determined).”

Now’s your chance to live part of the Harry Potter life live on stage with a number of like minded folks, but don’t expect everything to go smoothly.

“Aside from being a highly professional and very organized production,” Chop Suey wrote, “this will also be kinda fun.”

Break a leg, Harry Potter Fans, and we’ll see you at The Byrd/Chop Suey July 31st at midnight.

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner

Brad Kutner is the former editor of GayRVA and RVAMag from 2013 - 2017. He’s now the Richmond Bureau Chief for Radio IQ, a state-wide NPR outlet based in Roanoke. You can reach him at BradKutnerNPR@gmail.com




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