Harry Potter Parody Potted Potter Extends Off-Broadway Run

Potted Potter: The Unauthorized Harry Experience, a parody of the popular Harry Potter book series, has extended its run at off-Broadway’s Little Shubert Theatre by three weeks. The comedy, written and performed by Olivier Award-nominated actors Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, will now run through September 2. The Richard Hurst-directed parody opened on June 3 and was originally scheduled to end its engagement August 12.

In Potted Potter, Clarkson and Turner perform a retelling of all seven Harry Potter books in only 70 minutes, switching in and out of costumes, playing multiple characters, performing songs and even playing a game of Quidditch, complete with help from the audience.

Potted Potter features set design by Simon Scullion, lighting design by Tim Mascall, musical composition by Phil Innes, associate direction by Hanna Berrigan and stage management by Gilda Frost.

Glorious and goofy, Clarkson and Turner are the heart and soul of this production. Using wigs, glasses and other colorful costumes, Clarkson morphs into a number of Harry Potter’s colorful characters from Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley to Lord Voldemort and Professor Albus Dumbledore, while Turner acts as narrator and Harry Potter doppelganger. Even if you don’t know the difference between a “Horcrux” and a “Hufflepuff,” Potted Potter is designed to make anyone from the casual to the most avid Harry Potter fan roar with laughter. And while Potter Potter’s limited time frame means it is not a strict retelling of the Harry Potter story from start to finish, the show will nonetheless entertain audiences with snappy jokes, songs, silly string and a real live game of Quidditch (think volleyball) which engages the audience to join in on the fun.
Perfect for “ages six to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed),” Potted Potter isn’t just good for kids—it’s made specifically for them, with a light-hearted, G-rated spirit. Adults should be aware that during the live game of Quidditch played in the middle of each show, Clarkson and Turner choose two children to join them onstage and act as “seekers,” representing the audience, which has been broken into team “Gryffindor” and team “Slytherin.” Parents of kiddies eager to volunteer should note that while the winning seeker is offered chocolate, the loser is sprayed with a Super Soaker.