HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Previews — Page 3

And show should be getting out just about now, as long as everything went to plan! Can't wait for the reports. 

On my way home now and I have to say, I was blown away. I had seats in the DCL, right on the aisle next to center and they were fantastic [at least once I put my glasses on ??].

 

I've posted a few pictures on my Instagram if anyone's curious, my name is the same as my username here.

I was not impressed with how many people brought very young children and didn't remove them when they got restless and started talking and fidgeting, but that has nothing to do with the show itself.

If you love (or even like, really) the Harry Potter series and can manage it, you *need* to see this show.

Tomorrow can't get here soon enough.

Updated On: 3/17/18 at 11:52 PM

It is -- to use a word that will surely be overused to describe this particular production -- magical.

From the second you enter the gorgeously renovated Lyric, you are completely immersed in the world. The auditorium has the exact atmosphere I imagine a real life Hogwarts would have, and it helps completely transport you.

The text itself is fine. It's neither embarrassing nor particularly good. But the performances of each actor -- in particular, I was blown away by Jamie Parker and Anthony Boyle, who is an absolute star -- and the impeccable direction of John Tiffany elevate the evening to something truly special. 

The illusions were astounding, the simple lighting tricks were at time jaw-dropping, and the set is truly incredible.

Maybe I'm biased because Harry Potter occupies such a huge part of my heart and my childhood, but there's something so special about the care and dedication to putting this world onstage that moved me greatly.

Can't wait to see part 2 tomorrow evening.

Anyone sit towards the front of the orchestra on the far sides? Wondering how much you miss, if any. 

It is simply fantastic. 

A few things to say about seating. I was in Row L of the Center Dress Circle, pretty much directly in the center of the theatre. The view is good from this row, if not a little far back. In my row (others can speak to their rows), there was AMPLE leg room. And I am not short. It was a fantastic change for once to not have to constantly wiggle in my seat to be comfortable during a show. Also, one issue I noticed was that from my row, the people's heads in front of me were in direct view of the stage. Almost as if my row hadn't been raised enough. It seemed the people in the row behind me (the last row of the DC) had a fine view, as their seats seemed to be raised higher than usual. As I said, I am a tall individual (6'2), and the guy in front of me was fairly short, and it was a true pain have to adjust my view constantly throughout the show to see different parts of the stage. 

Regardless, this was one of the most magical nights I've ever had in a theatre. The show is amazing, I love being able to return to this universe, and especially in a theatrical production. And how theatrical it is! Doyle has done and incredible job of bringing this to the stage. All the effects, even the ones easily explained, perform brilliantly on stage. There's a particular lighting effect that takes place several times in Act 2 that is simply staggering. The first time it happened, the entire audience gasped in unison. 

As the other people have said tonight, the play is not the best written piece, but it really doesn't even have to be. It's so thrilling to be back with these characters and in the universe so many of us love so dearly. The design and direction are out of this world good. Between Frozen, Angels, and this, there's some fantastic stagecraft on display on Broadway this year. Overblown at times, sure. But jaw-dropping as well. 

The standouts are Anthony Boyle and Jamie Parker for sure. Hoping Noma and Paul Thornley will have a little more to do in Part 2. They are both great in their roles but feel a tad underutilized at times to me, at least in part 1. 

I am in awe of this piece and cannot wait to return tomorrow night! 

Updated On: 3/17/18 at 12:48 AM

what an evening, this is one of the most incredible physical productions ive ever seen.

 

that being said, the script is messy and based on the trajectory of the end of Part 1, its only going to get messier, but hey im along for the ride if Part 2 has some more of the brilliant illusions that part one did.

Would love to hear from repeated viewers. To me, the show lost quite a bit of its charm seeing it a second time in London, and the third time the flaws in the script were pretty obtrusive even with all the stage magic.

The last time I saw the London production was in January and I noticed a few times last night that they either re-arranged some lines or added some lines. They seemed to revamp an entire scene (it was a filler scene but it's setup differently than in London).

The audience definitely loved all the HP characters that appeared, a good number of entrance applause. Of course, the magic elements were applauded. The element at the end of Act 2 was certainly an audience pleaser, especially those in the front section of the Dress Circle.

Cast was mostly on point. For the non-OLC, some accents need some tinkering but overall, they were good. Anthony as Scorpius basically has the audience in the palm of his hand. What a fantastic debut for him. However...

Looking forward to Part 2 tonight.

Oh, merch... basically the same things as they did in London. They kibda repurposed the London program into a special "Broadway Preview" one. Heh.

Dancingthrulife2 said: "Would love to hear from repeated viewers. To me, the show lost quite a bit of its charm seeing it a second time in London, and the third time the flaws in the script were pretty obtrusive even with all the stage magic."

I will let you know. Next week I go again (these were purchased during the second pre-sale before the first preview announcement) with seats in a different section so I can report back after my third time.