I saw both parts on Saturday and while I questioned that choice, I was SO happy I did both shows in a single day. Everything felt like one giant experience, and if I had gone two nights in a row, I think I would have felt that Part II was not as special and would have been less satisfying. It wasn't taxing at all. Had a break for dinner and had plenty of time.
I read on the show's website that you don't need to be familiar with HARRY POTTER to see the show, and that it is enjoyable without the knowledge of what happens in the books. I want to address that for a moment. I disagree. Someone who hadn't seen the films or hasn't read the books would only appreciate the stage magic and production values. Without knowing the characters and specific plot occurances, one would not appreciate the play's many moments of intricate nuance and depth of understanding that its characters have. You would be mostly lost. Even someone who gets the gist of it, whose limited knowledge comes from only seeing film clips or perhaps by reading the timeline in the Showbill, wouldn't be able to appreciate fully all that is going on. This is a sequel - an expansion - of the story. It doesn't live on its own.
Security line was long, and once inside there are long lines for everything. The merch booths, the concessions, the bathrooms, everything. I recommend exploring the entire beautifully renovated lobby (from basement to dress circle) but I would do so at Part II. It's too crowded at Part I because everyone is trying to look around at the same time. There IS merch that you can only buy at the booths and not at the gift shop that is open to the public. That said, it's not a lot. Also, another tip: if you desire basic concessions such as wine, soda, water, ice cream, candy, etc. then go to your seat. There is a menu there and you can use your phone to place an order and someone brings it to you. This way, you can skip the long lines. Note, however, that there are concessions NOT available in this manner, such as fruit, certain candy, certain beverages, etc.
There truly is not a bad seat in the house. Not even the box seats (I went up there to try it out). I think, honestly, the best viewing is from the mid-to-rear orchestra (starting in row M) or in the front dress circle.
Now then, the play itself.
Firstly, the lighting design is one of the best I have ever seen. It accomplishes the artistic and technical needs exceptionally well. EXCEPTIONALLY. A word I'm specifically choosing because it fits to describe the lighting best. It should certainly be studied by students of stagecraft. The lighting design makes the production.
Yes. It's true. The special effects are actually surprising and I saw some tricks done that I have never seen before. One can probably figure out how everything is done, but to see it all executed so seamlessly and flawlessly is what will make you believe in magic. As someone who thinks I have seen it all, I was surprised that I bought into the magic elements as much as I did. Bravo!
The other embellishments of the production, including the stage movement, set design, costumes, and music, all served the production well. They heightened the play to create for an experience that makes one believe you are living in a different world.
I have nothing negative to say about the performers. You can't expect imitations of the film actors. I knew each character immediately by the appearance and that was enough for me to believe that they were that character.
Part I was better than Part II. The writing leaves something to be desired, but it doesn't matter. It's not BAD. I just wish it felt more worthy on its own, without all the production elements. That said, it doesn't matter. I had a great time and this will certainly be one of the more significant theatre going memories I will ever have. Special, unique, stunning, and worthy of the six hours I spent there.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle
Updated On: 4/1/18 at 02:48 PM
