On October 31, 2019, Reedy High School and Didi’s Downtown invite you to enjoy a fun Halloween evening of Wizards and Muggles as the entire space is transformed into a Leaky Cauldron venue!
The inspiration behind the fun evening began with a creative Frisco teacher…
Some people are just born with an incredibly creative mind that is always churning. They can look at the most ordinary of things and envision turning it into something extraordinary.
Ben Shurr is one of those people. Originally from Birmingham, Ohio, he arrived in Frisco in 2005 when he joined the teaching staff at Frisco High School. There, he built a successful theater department over ten years before transitioning to open Reedy High School as Head Director and Technical Director of their Theater department.
Recently, while enjoying a meal at one of his favorite Rail District restaurants, Didi’s Downtown, Ben was struck with inspiration! He envisioned turning the space into a Harry Potter-themed event for everyone to enjoy this Halloween!
He approached Scott Hoffner, Owner and Executive Chef, about transforming both the entire patio and interior restaurant to create a unique space for families to enjoy during this fun time of year.
Having daughters involved in local theater, Scott loved the concept and soon set about creating Harry Potter-themed food and drink concepts.
No stranger to creating lavish themed events, Ben is the genius behind some of the most outstanding Frisco productions. During his tenure at Frisco ISD, he has been the technical director for over 75 shows and events; 25 main stage productions, gone to State with the UIL OAP (University Interscholastic League One-Act Play) once and has had at least one State Qualifier in the UIL Technical Design competition from 2009-2014.
In 2018 his student placed 2nd in the UIL Technical Design competition for marketing and placed 5th in 2019 in the same category.
Off-campus, Ben was responsible for events such as Reindeer Manor Halloween Park in Red Oak, Mardi Gras Frisco at St. Francis of Assisi, Craig Ranch Haunted 5k, FISD’s FEF Scholarship Night Design, and the FISD Chili Challenge.
I’ve always loved combing the talents of my students and bringing it out into the community. The opportunity to work with Didi’s on this project has been a pleasure. It allows the students to get real-world experience and it’s just plain fun. I’m a lucky man that I get to work with such talented kids to bring the Harry Potter world to life!
Last week Ben’s eleven and twelfth-grade students invited Lifestyle Frisco to drop by the school during one of their creative workshops and shared with me their excitement about working on this project. Alyssa Harrington explained,
This is a new experience for us, setting up something that’s not just on a stage but that people can visit and touch in an open venue.
If you’re not already familiar with Didi’s Downtown, it’s a made-from-scratch neighborhood restaurant launched last year in the heart of the Rail District. Family-friendly and Frisco-centric, they enjoy hosting live music and unique events on their large inviting patio. Seven new items have just recently been added to their menu including a new, mouth-watering meatloaf.
On October 31, 2019, come enjoy the fun evening of Wizards and Muggles as the entire space is transformed into a Leaky Cauldron venue!
Serving specialty foods like Butter Beer and Pepita-Crusted Fish n’Chips, there will also be two costume contests for children and adults with prizes including a cooking lesson with Chef Scott and a 4-course dinner for two.
Not only will the Reedy High School Theater students have transformed the entire space, but their orchestra will also be on-site playing the Harry Potter score!
Come to Didi’s on Halloween, get a bite to eat before you trick-or-treat, and enjoy a spooktacular evening. Make sure to make reservations soon as it’s filling up quickly. Call Didi’s (469) 888-4020.
Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus (Never tickle a sleeping dragon)
