Many Harry Potter fans have probably heard of the “Potter Puppet Pals” or “A Very Potter Musical,” but what you may not know is that “Potted Potter” visited Pittsburgh Nov. 20-24. Don’t fret if you missed it; it’s showing in Philadelphia almost every day between now and Jan. 5. However, this show quickly sells out due to its humorous nature and ability to captivate all ages, whether you are a witch, wizard or muggle.
Let me try to define such a show: Potted Potter-noun. a comedy featuring all seven Harry Potter books in approximately 70 minutes; has the power to put even Severus Snape or a misguided muggle under a spell of laughter at multiple points in the production.
Created by former improvisational comedians, Daniel Clarkson and Jeffery Turner, this Harry Potter spoof is unlike any other. Turner assigned Clarkson to hire a cast and crew; Clarkson was also advised to create or purchase props and sets. Instead, Clarkson decided to spend all of the money given to him on the dragon Harry fought in the fourth book and its film adaptation (refer to “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” for more details).
Any “Potterheaded” fan in the audience can feel assured that Turner and Clarkson complete the act with appearances from Dobby, Nagini, a golden Snitch, a game of Quidditch (with audience participation) and a dragon.
Turner, the friend of the two who had actually read the books, declares himself as Harry Potter. He soon asks Clarkson to label him as such, so Clarkson, instead of drawing a small scar on his friend’s forehead, writes “Harry.” Turner then tells Clarkson that he must act as every other important character through the series, including Ron, Hermione, Draco, Dumbledore, Voldemort, Snape and many more. In order to conclude the play properly, Clarkson must read the seventh book while performing, adding to the humor of the show.
I absolutely loved “Potted Potter;” from the Potter puns to the cheesy costume changes, I laughed during every act (or book). Clarkson and Turner cover the books very well despite having only ten minutes to dedicate to each book. Although the show exceeded the approximated seventy-minute frame, it seemed to end too abruptly. This could be due to the hilarious parody of “I Will Survive” performed at the end of book seven and the uncontrollable laughter that followed.
I highly recommend seeing this show if you can, Potter fan or not.