Larry Yando, a veteran Chicago actor known for his role as Ebenezer Scrooge in the Goodman Theatre’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” is set to take on a new role as Severus Snape in the production of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” at the Nederlander Theatre in Chicago. Snape, a formidable professor at the Hogwarts School of Wizardry, is a character with a chilly exterior that hides deep-seated trauma, much like Scrooge.
Yando’s portrayal of Snape will follow in the footsteps of the late British actor Alan Rickman, who played the character in all eight Harry Potter films. The announcement of the cast for the “Harry Potter” national tour is expected to include Chicago actor Matt Mueller as the adult Ron Weasley and Northwestern University graduate Emmet Smith as Albus Potter, Harry Potter’s son in the sequel.
The show’s U.S. touring production is a condensed version of the original two-show production that debuted on Broadway in 2016. The tour is set to begin in Chicago and will continue to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, with no end date announced yet. The arrival of the production in Chicago is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
The Goodman Theatre, where Yando has been a staple for 16 years, expressed their support for his new opportunity. Artistic director Susan Booth stated, “We’re delighted for Larry to have this fantastic new opportunity. And while one doesn’t replace a performance like his, we’re looking forward to announcing our 2024 Scrooge in the next few weeks.”
The “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” production is highly anticipated by fans of the franchise, and Yando’s portrayal of Snape is sure to bring a new perspective to the beloved character. With a talented cast and a condensed version of the original production, the show promises to be a must-see for Harry Potter fans and theater enthusiasts alike.