Aidan Close ‘19 to Make Broadway Debut

Local theater enthusiasts, alumni, and faculty of John Bapst Memorial High School are buzzing with excitement following the announcement that Aidan Close, a member of the John Bapst Class of 2019, will be making his Broadway debut as Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. This marks a significant milestone for the young actor, whose journey to the Great White Way went through the familiar stage of Sekera Auditorium.

Close’s passion for performance was evident during his time at John Bapst, where he was a fixture in school productions. His performances in The Crucible, Macbeth, Young Frankenstein, and Cinderella, to name just a few, helped him to develop his acting prowess and stage presence. Those who recall his high school years speak fondly of his dedication and natural talent, which consistently shone through in various roles.

“It was an absolute blessing for me to direct Aidan in many of our Bapst stage productions” said Mrs. Burns, John Bapst Fine Arts Director. “Aidan was a leader and set the bar on which all others aspired to. In Drama Class, Aidan’s leadership shone just as brightly—especially in Improv, where his enthusiasm and talent brought such energy and joy that I often found myself having more fun than the students! I'm not one bit surprised to see Aidan has made it to Broadway and I know we’re all wishing him a TON of success!”

After graduating from John Bapst, Close pursued higher education in theater, graduating from the College of Fine Arts at Boston University with a BFA in acting and a concentration in musical theater. Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Malfoy, is a pivotal and complex character in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, offering Close a significant platform to showcase his abilities to a global audience. Playing the part of his father, Draco, in the production will be none other than Tom Felton, the actor who portrayed Draco in the blockbuster Harry Potter movies. 

This news is a testament to the strength of the fine arts programing at John Bapst and the enduring impact of our faculty and their support for aspiring performers. Close's success serves as an inspiration to current students treading the boards in historic Sekera Auditorium, demonstrating that Broadway dreams can indeed begin right here in Bangor.