I only recently discovered the joys of the Harry Potter book series, nearly 30 years after the first book was published. Better late than never, right? At least I did not have to suffer the suspense of waiting between books. The books are so easy to read, but captivating and so addictive. Once I finished the first one, I immediately read the second and so forth. I needed to have a little bit of a pause between the last three books, so that I can read other books and be wowed again by the writing style and the plot of Harry Potter. Also, selfishly I did not want it to end and drawing it out gave me time to cope with the inevitable.
When we bought tickets to watch Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in the theatre, I thought that it would be nowhere as good as the books. Despite it being a different medium, and different story (it is not even written by JK Rowling), I felt it could not live up to the Harry Potter franchise. After all, I did prefer the books over the movies. But boy, was I proven wrong!
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is one of the most entertaining and exciting plays I have been to. It is a condensed version of the original, which spanned 2 days. The story is about Harry's son so it is almost like a continuation of the series where we saw Harry advanced each school year, and now all grown up with a family of his own. It addresses inclusivity (ever wondered if students in the Slytherin houses struggles with depression, for all the bad press Slytherins get?) and the guilt and struggles of parenthood.
The special effects of the play is superb, what with wands that flashes fire, dementors dangling from the ceiling close to the audience, a swimming pool onstage, trapeze work and transfiguration. I thought I was watching a magic show instead of a play, it was that good!
We were seated in the first level of the circle so had a bird's eye view of the whole stage and came very close to the dangling dementors during the play. For $75 per ticket, it was a great price and I have Gaz to thank for that. He bought the tickets during a rare promotion, and did all the research to find the best seating area. If not for him, I would not have the privilege of attending half the events I go to.
The play goes for 3.5 hours but is already a condensed version of the original which went for 2.5 hours over two days. It is a play that is worthwhile to watch, and rewatch. I am quite positive I would still enjoy watching it the second time.
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