Potted Potter - The Unauthorized Harry Experience

Potted Potter - The Unauthorized Harry Experience is coming to the Wyly Theatre at the AT&T Performing Arts Center for a short run this January. It's an Olivier Award-nominated stage parody that takes all seven Harry Potter books and condenses them into around seventy minutes of comedy. The whole thing is handled by two actors, Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, both two-time Olivier nominees, who take on the challenge of running through the entire series in one sitting. Along with the books, they throw in a real-life game of Quidditch, so it's not just a summary of the plot—it's a full-blown stage show that doesn't take itself too seriously.

It's played to sold-out houses around the world, and Time Out London called it "gloriously irreverent," which gives you a good sense of the tone. It's a parody, not a faithful adaptation, so it's more about the comedy of trying to fit a massive amount of story into a single hour than it is about a beat-by-beat retelling. The show is rated suitable for ages six to Dumbledore, so it's one you can bring the kids to if they're into the books.

There are several showtimes to choose from over one weekend. It opens Friday, January 8, at 8 PM. Saturday, January 9, has three performances: a 2 PM matinee, a 5 PM, and an 8 PM. Sunday, January 10, has two: 2 PM and 5 PM. The venue is the Wyly Theatre, part of the AT&T Performing Arts Center at 2400 Flora St in Dallas.