Copyright The Boston Globe
When he was 4 years old, actor Zach Norton dressed up as Harry Potter for Halloween. Then, in 2023, after graduating from a two-year program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, he landed a job as an usher for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” on Broadway. “I remember my dad found an article online that he shared with me about how one of the ushers for that show ended up getting a part in the show,” Norton, 24, recalled in a recent phone interview from Columbus, Ohio. “Within a month of working there, I auditioned for it.” The Weymouth native, who was an usher for more than 100 “Harry Potter” shows on Broadway, was cast on the national tour of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which kicked off in September 2024 and stops at the Emerson Colonial Theatre Nov. 9-Dec. 20. “It’s been a surreal experience, to say the least,” said Norton, who plays a couple of roles, including Karl Jenkins, a student at Hogwarts, and Viktor Krum, who he says is an “Easter egg for the Potter heads out there.” He’s also an understudy for Albus Severus Potter, the middle child of Harry and Ginevra Potter. “I think being able to see [the show] every night [as an usher] gave me insight into who Albus is — not as the character, but as the person, and I think that gave me a good leg up.” Norton said what appeals to him most about Harry Potter is that “it’s a story about a kid who didn’t know who he was and didn’t fit in, then finding out that he was exactly who he was supposed to be. And I think a lot of people — including myself — find a great amount of comfort in that … and also in just the excitement of the world” of Harry Potter. The self-proclaimed “huge fantasy nerd” said he has enjoyed seeing the country while on tour and is looking forward to coming to Boston. “This is really my first professional gig after my schooling, and I am so incredibly excited to put this show on at home,” he said. “We’ve had so many people reaching out who are coming to see the show.” The oldest of two children, Norton — whose mom owns a local dance studio, Center Stage Dance Studio, and whose mom and dad run the Weymouth High Theater Company (she is the choreographer and he is the director) — still calls Weymouth home, although he will have been on tour for nearly two years by the time the show is slated to end its run in August 2026. We caught up with Norton to talk about all things travel. If you could travel anywhere right now, where would you go? I would travel to Patagonia. I’ve recently become more interested in travel, and Patagonia has one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. Plus, you can catch a cruise to Antarctica from there, which is just the cherry on top. Advertisement Do you prefer booking trips through a travel agent or on your own? My current travel agent is my partner, Julianna Austin, who is also a touring cast member of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” They do a fantastic job of making sure our itinerary is booked, orderly, and well-curated. I trust them more than I trust myself. Thoughts on an “unplugged” vacation? An unplugged vacation sounds fantastic, depending on the location. For my next nature getaway, it sounds ideal. Maybe not for Antarctica, though … just in case. What has been your worst vacation experience? My partner Julianna and I took a fantastic vacation to Switzerland not too long ago. Unfortunately, due to delays of many sources, my travel day from waking up in the morning and heading directly to a train to finally arriving at home was 31 hours. Advertisement What is your favorite childhood travel memory? When I was younger, my family and I would take our February vacation to visit my snowbird grandparents at their community home in Florida. We would always have a wonderful time, and always found something new to get up to in between visits to the community pool and cabana. Do you vacation to relax, to learn, or for the adventure of it all? I think the adventure of the vacation is what’s really relaxing to me. I was never a travel person until I began viewing travel as an opportunity to explore the beauty of the natural world. I think going on an adventure to bear witness to some truly marvelous geography and escape the hustle and bustle of our daily lives has become my new favorite way to relax. What book do you plan on bringing with you to read on your next vacation? For my most recent travel, I brought along “The Lies of Locke Lamora” series of books by Scott Lynch, which I will soon be finishing. My next travel will definitely include the “Red Rising” series by Pierce Brown, which I am very excited to start. If you could travel with one famous person/celebrity, who would it be? Willem Dafoe would be a dream travel partner. As an actor myself, I think his perspective on acting and the role of an actor within a piece of art is fascinating. I would love to talk with him about his career, acting as an art, and honestly just get to know him. He seems like a great guy. What is the best gift to give a traveler? I’m not sure. I’m not the biggest gift person. But my thought would maybe be a new travel destination. My next big travel goal is Patagonia because a friend put it on my radar, and I couldn’t be more excited by it. One of those personal baggage scales is a big help, too — great for avoiding surprises at the airport. Advertisement What is your go-to snack for a flight or a road trip? I’m a fiend for Sour Patch Watermelons or Nerds Gummy Clusters. Usually both. What is the coolest souvenir you’ve picked up on a vacation? Truthfully, the memories. I may not remember exactly how the stars looked on the night Julianna and I hiked up Mount Pilatus [in Switzerland] far later than we should have, but I will remember how amazing it felt to finally reach [the summit]. What is your favorite app/website for travel? Expedia. If I can get a cheaper flight, I will. What has travel taught you? Travel really has taught me the beauty of the natural world, and to take more appreciation from it everywhere I can. What is your best travel tip? Find a travel buddy — someone who is excited about the exploration, inspires you to take risks and try new things, and someone you want to spend more time with. And sometimes, the best buddy you could bring along is you. A solo trip may be exactly what you need, and it’s certainly less of a headache. But second tip? Portable charger. Game changer. Juliet Pennington can be reached at writeonjuliet@comcast.net.
