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Harry Potter is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. From the books to the movies, the Wizarding World has been a source of inspiration and entertainment for generations. In 2016, the story continued in a new medium: the stage. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a two-part play that tells the story of Harry Potter’s son, Albus, and his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
The play was written by Jack Thorne, based on a story by Thorne, J.K. Rowling, and John Tiffany. Tiffany also directed the play, which premiered at the Palace Theatre in London’s West End on July 30, 2016. The play is designed to be seen in two parts, which can be seen on the same day or on consecutive evenings. The play has been a massive success, winning numerous awards and selling out theaters around the world.
The plot of the play picks up where the seventh book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, left off. Harry Potter is now an overworked employee at the Ministry of Magic, and his son Albus is struggling to find his place in the world. Albus is sorted into Slytherin, which puts a strain on his relationship with his father. Together with his best friend Scorpius Malfoy, the son of Draco Malfoy, Albus embarks on a journey through time to try to right some of the wrongs of the past.
One of the standout features of the play is the stunning production design. The sets, costumes, and special effects are all incredibly detailed and immersive, transporting the audience into the world of Harry Potter. The play also features some impressive feats of stagecraft, such as characters apparating (disappearing and reappearing) on stage and a giant, moving bookcase.
The play has received mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. Some fans have criticized the plot for contradicting established canon and for portraying characters in ways that are inconsistent with their book counterparts. Others have praised the play for its emotional depth and for the new insights it provides into the characters and their relationships.
Despite the mixed reception, the play has been a massive success. The original London production won nine Olivier Awards, including Best New Play, and the Broadway production won six Tony Awards, including Best Play. The play has also been a commercial success, grossing over $2 billion worldwide.
One of the criticisms of the play is that it is not accessible to all fans. The high ticket prices and limited availability make it difficult for some fans to see the play. In response, the play has launched a “Friday Forty” lottery, which gives fans the chance to purchase tickets for the play at a reduced price. The lottery is held every Friday and offers 40 tickets for each performance at a price of £20 each.
What made Harry Potter the Play interesting?
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was interesting for several reasons, including its continuation of the beloved Harry Potter story, its unique format as a two-part play, and its stunning production design.
First and foremost, the play continued the story of Harry Potter, one of the most beloved literary and film franchises of all time. Fans were excited to see what happened to their favorite characters after the events of the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The play provided a new perspective on the story, focusing on the next generation of characters, including Harry’s son, Albus, and Draco Malfoy’s son, Scorpius.
Secondly, the play was unique in its format as a two-part play. This allowed the story to be told in greater detail than would have been possible in a single production. It also gave audiences the opportunity to see the play over two days, which added to the overall experience and excitement surrounding the production.
Finally, the production design of the play was absolutely stunning. The sets, costumes, and special effects were all incredibly detailed and immersive, transporting the audience into the world of Harry Potter. The play also featured some impressive feats of stagecraft, such as characters apparating on stage and a giant, moving bookcase.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child was an interesting and exciting addition to the Harry Potter franchise. Its continuation of the beloved story, unique format, and stunning production design all contributed to its success and popularity with fans around the world.
