REVIEW: 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert' doubles the magic, toil, and trouble
It's been 21 years since Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban hit theaters in 2004.
The beloved third film in the Harry Potter franchise returned to the big screen with a twist—it was staged in concert with the 96-piece Filharmonika Orchestra and the 48-piece Philippine Madrigal Singers performing Academy Award-winning composer John Williams' iconic score.
The Potterhead energy was palpable as soon as you set foot in The Theatre at Solaire, as the crowds waiting in line to get in were dressed in Hogwarts robes, carrying wands and other Wizarding World knick-knacks. The merch store could not be missed (even for just window shopping)—it was like stepping into a mini Diagon Alley with all the wands, neckties, scarves, and shirts you could get.
Across the Theatre lobby were magical backdrops where fans could take lots of photos. And from the ceiling of some areas, Harry's Hogwarts acceptance letters hung suspended in the air. It was a fan's dream come true.
"Welcome to Harry's third year at Hogwarts," conductor Gerard Salonga said as he opened the show. He even encouraged the audience to cheer when they see their favorite characters, jeer at the villains, and laugh at the shenanigans on screen. To hype the crowd even further, he asked what Hogwarts Houses the fans were sorted into.
The story of the film is something fans know all too well: In his third year, Harry, Hermione, and Ron uncover the truth behind deranged killer Sirius Black, who escaped from Azkaban and is bent on hunting down the Boy Who Lived.
Having a live orchestra brought more magic to the already spellbinding film. The flutes, violins, and cellos made it richer and the stakes higher. Professor Lupin, who saved Harry from dementors, turning into a werewolf felt like a mini horror film with horns and strings bringing the thrill in person.
As much as the Prisoner of Azkaban carried drama and intrigue, it also had a lot of comedic moments that were highlighted by the Salonga-led Filharmonika Orchestra. Harry, while donning the invisible cloak, throwing snowballs at Draco Malfoy and his lackeys was made more hilarious with an equally playful live soundtrack.
The exceptionally talented Philippine Madrigal Singers also added more emotional depth to scenes, especially one toward the end, when Harry casts a Patronus charm to protect Sirius, who turned out to be innocent and his godfather. It was almost as if you could feel the light radiating from the spell defeating the darkness. The choral group singing Something Wicked This Way Comes brought a more tangible feeling of whimsy, too.
Every Potterhead—and even new HP fans—should experience the films in concert. The story of the Boy Who Lived is iconic in itself, and the movie's cinematography and visuals still stand the test of time, but the music, especially heard live, is nothing short of magical.
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Disclaimer: PhilSTAR L!fe is an official media partner of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert.
