Do you remember reading Harry Potter, the fantasy series that left its mark on children and adults alike? Some were along for the whole ride, staying up past their bedtime reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone under their blankets with a flashlight, spending their whole summer vacations reading the latest installment, and, if they were lucky, attending midnight release parties. Others, like me, were late to the game and only recently read the books, but were still equally affected by these profound novels.

Twenty years ago, the first book was released, and ten years ago, the series concluded with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. However, the series did not end there. On July thirtieth of last year, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a stage play continuation of the series debuted in London’s Palace Theatre, and on July 31^st (which coincidentally happens to be both Harry’s and Rowling’s birthday), the script was available for purchase. This story, sometimes called “ the eighth Harry Potter book,” takes place nineteen years after the series concludes. It follows Harry’s younger son, Albus, who resents his father’s celebrity status and the fame that comes with it, as he battles against darkness in the past and future with his best friend, Scorpius Malfoy (Draco’s son) and Harry, whose past literally comes back to haunt him. Many beloved characters, such as Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, and Ginny Potter will make reappearances and new characters, such as the intelligent Rose Granger-Weasley, Ron and Hermione’s daughter, and the ominous Delphini will be introduced.

A sneak peek into the world of the new Harry Potter musical! Photo Courtesy of Pottermore

After being on stage in London’s West Side for over a year, it was recently announced that Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will be coming to Broadway in the spring of 2018. The smashing hit will debut in New York on April 22, 2018 in the Lyric Theater, fulfilling the dreams of many American fans. Many stars from the original cast will be seen in the Big Apple, including Jamie Parker playing Harry, Sam Clemmett playing Albus, Anthony Boyle playing Scorpius Malfoy, and Alex Price playing Draco. The play is conducted in two separate parts, which means you have to buy two separate tickets in order to see the play in full. Viewers are advised to watch both parts in one day, part one as a matinee and part two in the evening or watch the show two days in a row, but is obviously not mandatory. For those interested, tickets go on sale on October 18, 2017.

As Harry Potter travels from London to one of the greatest cities in the world, it will hopefully give the older generation of fans a way to evoke good memories and hold on to their childhoods, while giving the new, younger fans a way to fuel their love for the Wizarding World.

By: Anna Mullens ’20; Staff Writer