Evanston Native Matt Mueller Dishes On Starring In Broadway's Harry Potter Play

As Broadway’s Tony Award-winning production of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child makes its rounds across the country, Evanston native Matt Mueller is making a major impact as one of the Wizarding World’s most beloved characters: Ron Weasley. From Thurs., Sept. 26 through Sat., Feb. 1, the show that broke the Guinness record for the highest-grossing non-musical play in Broadway history will debut ​​at Broadway In Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre. Here, Mueller shares what it’s been like to step into his latest role and how being part of a family of performing artists—including his sister, Tony Award-winning actress Jessie Mueller (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical)—has left a lasting impact.

You’ve played Ron Weasley on Broadway. What has it been like to step into the iconic world of Harry Potter?

I recall it all being a bit overwhelming at first—but also very exciting! The Wizarding World is such an expansive and well-known one. And now getting the opportunity to revisit it, it all feels very new and exciting again, even though it’s like reconnecting with old friends in a way. There’s an energy and vibrancy in the rehearsal room that feels like we’re making a new play, and that’s really cool.

Matt Mueller playing Ron Weasley in “Harry Potter and The Cursed Child” on Broadway

Ron is such a beloved character. How have you been able to make it your own?

With the books and the films and the brilliant play that was created there are all these iconic characters that people know so well. And anyone who has read the books has their own vision in their head of who these characters are, and then on top of that there’s the universe of the films. So, in a way, it’s these massively big shoes to fill! But one of the marvelous things about a play is that, from production to production, there are always going to be unique actors bringing the story to life. All of them interact and inform each other’s performances. It’s my job to tell the story the best I can with my fellow actors, and I hope that the things I love about Ron come through in that storytelling.

As a local native, how meaningful is it to play this role in Chicago?

I’m really excited for Chicago to experience this show! It was such a privilege to have the chance to do it in New York, and now, to bring it home to a city and a theatre community I love, it’s an opportunity I’m very grateful for.

What are your favorite things about coming back to Chicago?

Too many to list! So, in short, Lake Michigan. It’s cooler by the lake!

How has coming from a family of performers influenced you?

I’ve always loved going to the theatre, ever since I was little. And I appreciate that the arts were always a legitimate and central part of my experience. There was never a question of their importance. I love that this show will afford more people a chance to be a part of this story and the communal experience that theatre is.

Looking ahead, what’s another role you’d love to play?

Well, I never thought I would get to play Ron Weasley. Most of the shows and roles I’ve enjoyed the most have been lovely surprises in a way. So I suppose look forward to the next pleasant surprise!

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