Larry Potter and the Golden Gallstone

The first Harry Potter book was published 20 years ago today and sparked an international phenomenon. As we remember this beloved literary and film series, we’d like to draw your attention to a slightly smaller production from 15 years ago: Larry Potter and the Golden Gallstone. This one-night-only event took place on March 15, 2002 and starred physicians and medical students.

The Student-Faculty Show has been a Duke tradition since 1940 when, during the school’s tenth anniversary, the senior class expressed the wish to commemorate the event by putting on a play. This play, called From OPC to CPC, was a farcical spoof about medical skills and medical school. The cast of characters included notable Duke instructors portrayed by their students. We believe that the plays were commonly known as “Mock Clinics” until the 1950s. The original play sparked an over 70-year tradition that continues to this day.

The 2002 show told the story of Larry Potter, Hermione Gunner, and Ron Queasy. While certainly inspired by J.K. Rowling’s books, the show cleverly chronicles life at Duke Medical Center. In the song “Golden Gallstone”, Larry sings that “it’s up to me alone, to/ Keep her away from the Golden Gallstone.” Read the full lyrics below along with a partial cast list. {click on images to enlarge}

 Golden Gallstone song lyrics Larry Potter cast

The Harry Potter puns are certainly the main gag of the show, but the spoofs are certainly not restricted to this one series. Other memorable songs from the show include “What’s that Organ One More Time?” (parody of “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears), “Physical Exams” (parody of “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett), and “No Bathroom, No Bed” (parody of “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley).

For more information on this production as well as other Student-Faculty shows, please check out the Student-Faculty Shows Collection or contact the archives