HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD Previews- Page 7

[Serendipiteedee]

Posted: 3/20/18 at 2:50pm

I don't know why my spoiler boxes always end up blank.

Re the romantic pairing that didn't happen:

The point of that relationship was that they love each other. The nature of that love wasn't important. There was no indication that it was or wasn't romantic. Friendship is often deeper and more powerful than romance. The fact that it wasn't romantic/sexual doesn't make it any less powerful. I guess if you read a lot of fanfiction and view the play as fanfiction (which it is not) then you'll have certain expectations and possibly feel disappointed, but it's not a flaw in the play.

 

Updated On: 3/20/18 at 02:50 PM

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 3/20/18 at 9:34pm

Judging by social media posts, it is intermission!

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 3/20/18 at 9:43pm

Apparently the show has stopped due to a technical difficulty.

[shanphelia]

Posted: 3/21/18 at 11:41am

I saw Part 1 of the show last night, and (snow permitting...fingers crossed) I'll be seeing Part 2 tonight. I did see the show twice in London (Sept 2016 & Jan 2017), but all of my comparisons are against my memory/impressions of the show, so may not be exact.

I felt like the show still had all of the magic that I saw onstage in London -- and that all of the effects were much tighter.  For these shows, I'm in the third row, and even close up the "magic" isn't very evident, with one exception that I don't mind because it's still very fun to watch.  In London, the owls (after one preview of trying to use live owls...) were rendered by a lighting effect, but it seemed like a physical prop/puppet whizzing by yesterday, but I'll look much more closely tonight. The scene at the home for elderly wizards seems to have a *lot* more magic in it than I remember seeing in London and was a lot of fun! The audience was very engaged and most of the characters got entrance applause, and most displays of magic did, as well. 

My one complaint last night was that sometimes the background or effect sound drowned out the dialogue for me -- I could barely hear Albus&Scorpius in a key scene on the train, and at times the background music seemed intrusive. There was one hold and reset in Act 2 because of what looked like a turntable issue.

The actors are in great form.  Anthony Boyle as Scorpius is just a delight and a revelation, and I'm hoping NYC just falls in love with him, as well as Sam Clemmet as Albus.  Scorpius really stayed with me after the first time I saw the show, and the second time I saw it in London, the actor had clearly really relaxed in to the role, maybe getting a touch broad at times, but what I saw last night was an extremely tight performance and I really hope a Tony nom is in his future. I adore Jamie Parker as Harry-- I think his performance really allows us to see the impact and lingering effects of his childhood trauma and years as (basically) a teenage soldier, as well as his love for his friends and family, and all his strengths and fallibilities.  But it's also so much fun to watch the moments when he's playing a different character, for plot reasons. I find the brief moments of flashbacks to him as a child, pre-Hogwarts, to be so affecting. 

Of the new cast, I was only struggling with Delphini-- and nothing to do with the actress' performance, really, but more that, in London, the character read to me as about 22, and last night she read to me as about 30.  I think this may have to do with the makeup design on her and they might want to take a look at that.  It changed how I felt about the character's interactions with Albus. Curious if anyone else felt the same?

The younger children I saw sitting nearby seemed a bit bored during stretches of the show; I think a little boy was falling asleep during a scene where some of the adult characters sit around a kitchen table and discuss their fears about failing their children as parents, about trying to protect them.  It's really emotional content, especially when they talk about how their own childhoods shaped their parenting styles, but not so interesting to a kid.

I was disappointed that the theater lobby wasn't "transformed" after Part 1 the way it was in London, to reflect the events of the play. You do get a "keep the secrets" pin as you leave, but it's lightweight and plastic, not the metal badge like in London. 

On the merch front, most of the merch looked the same as London -- there is a separate store for purchasing house merchandise like scarves, pens, bags, etc. The house redesigns for the show are really elegant, in my opinion! There is a t-shirt with the logo that also has "Lyric Theater-Broadway" on the back, and there is a special version of the companion book/illustrated program that's stamped "Broadway Preview Edition" on the front cover and will only be available until opening.  The book is largely pictures/content from London, but does have some new content related to NY.

My seat was B-1.  The stage is very high, but third row was a good view for me (and I got splashed in one scene).  I'm not sure I would have wanted to be in first two rows. 

I know this was long, but hope it was helpful!  Happy to anwer any questions, and I'll report back on Part 2, assuming the snow allows me to see it!

Updated On: 3/21/18 at 11:41 AM

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/21/18 at 12:08pm

shanphelia said: "My seat was B-1. The stage is very high, but third row was a good view for me (and I got splashed in one scene). I'm not sure I would have wanted to be in first two rows."

For the dates I'm looking at, most of the available seats are fairly centrally located in rows A, B, and C, or they're further back (e.g., K) and more off to the sides. Are you glad that you were seated so close? I generally prefer to be close (I hate sitting upstairs for shows, always feels too removed for me), but I'm also wary of high stages. This is of particular concern with Cursed Child because it's such a long time commitment. Any neck strain? Would you have preferred to be further back?

[shanphelia]

Posted: 3/21/18 at 12:37pm

For the dates I'm looking at, most of the available seats are fairly centrally located in rows A, B, and C, or they're further back (e.g., K) and more off to the sides. Are you glad that you were seated so close? I generally prefer to be close (I hate sitting upstairs for shows, always feels too removed for me), but I'm also wary of high stages. This is of particular concern with Cursed Childbecause it's such a long time commitment. Any neck strain? Would you have preferred to be further back?"

I also love being close, and I was fine last night.  I think I would have had some neck strain in row A, and definitely in row AA.  One great thing about seat B-1 (and the one across aisle from me -- B-2 I think) is that I didn't have a seat in front of me, so I had an entirely clear view of the stage.

Updated On: 3/21/18 at 12:37 PM

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/21/18 at 12:59pm

shanphelia said: "I also love being close, and I was fine last night. I think I would have had some neck strain in row A, and definitely in row AA. One great thing about seat B-1 (and the one across aisle from me -- B-2 I think) is that I didn't have a seat in front of me, so I had an entirely clear view of the stage."

Thanks for the insight!

[LesWickedly]

Posted: 3/22/18 at 12:12am

The 2nd previews of Part 1 and Part 2 are complete! Would love to hear some more thoughts.

[ilysespieces]

Posted: 3/22/18 at 8:48am

I got the opportunity to see Part 2 for a second time due to Winter Storm Toby and thanks to an amazing member of this community. The seat was vastly different from where I sat originally (2/3 of the way back in the Dress Circle to third row almost center) and the experience was quite different. I did miss a couple of things I knew were there from seeing it before, the "light" that's mentioned towards the end was barely visible and I knew it was beautiful. Also you could see some of the ropes and pulleys, but seeing the actor's faces up close made me feel a little bit more in the moment.

I also managed to see a part that was interrupted previously ~40 minutes into act one (a family arrived late and had 3 people but there were only 2 seats next to my friend, so they stood in the aisle and argued for ~30 seconds, while standing in front of my sight line so I couldn't see). If you've seen the show, it was the beautiful quiet moment at the lake. I'm glad I got a chance to experience that part as it was intended.

My only complaint is the same as my original complaint, no one cares about the age suggestions. Last time it was fidgeting and talking, this time there was a little girl behind me who basically sobbed and whined her way through the last 1/3 of the second act (among other "scary" moments). I understand, the last part of the second act is very intense and there are a lot of tough/deep subjects they cover, but that's why they suggest it's for 10+. I really wish people would do even the tiniest bit of research on what they're taking their kids to see.

Other than that it was amazing and I hope I can experience it again, maybe I'll get lucky with the lottery one of these days.

[airconway]

Posted: 3/22/18 at 1:41pm

Does anyone know how the view is near the back of the orchestra? I'm seat 27, Row X in the left orchestra. Hoping my view isn't terrible...

[TenuousBond]

Posted: 3/22/18 at 4:55pm

I saw a post last week saying the show got out pretty late; can anyone tell me how it's been lately?  I'm seeing the show next Thur and Fri, and I'm trying to decide if I want to get a hotel or not haha.

[RealCursedChild]

Posted: 3/22/18 at 5:27pm

I watched the Friday and Saturday show last week and we got out around 11pm.

[TenuousBond]

Posted: 3/22/18 at 6:55pm

RealCursedChild said: "I watched the Friday and Saturday show last week and we got out around 11pm."

Thank you!

[ilysespieces]

Posted: 3/22/18 at 8:06pm

TenuousBond said: "I saw a post last weeksaying the show got out pretty late; can anyone tell me how it's been lately? I'm seeing the show next Thur and Fri, and I'm trying to decide if I want to get a hotel or not haha."

I was out just around 11 for Part one and out ~1045 for both Part 2s.

[SarahNYC2]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 7:39am

ilysespieces said: "I got the opportunity to see Part 2 for a second time due to Winter Storm Toby and thanks to an amazing member of this community. The seat was vastly different from where I sat originally (2/3 of the way back in the Dress Circle to third row almost center) and the experience was quite different. I did miss a couple of things I knew were there from seeing it before, the "light" that's mentioned towards the end was barely visible and I knew it was beautiful. Also you could see some of the ropes and pulleys, but seeing the actor's faces up close made me feel a little bit more in the moment.

I also managed to see a part that was interrupted previously ~40 minutes into act one (a family arrived late and had 3 people but there were only 2 seats next to my friend, so they stood in the aisle and argued for ~30 seconds, while standing in front of my sight line so I couldn't see). If you've seen the show, it was the beautiful quiet moment at the lake. I'm glad I got a chance to experience that part as it was intended.

My only complaint is the same as my original complaint, no one cares about the age suggestions. Last time it was fidgeting and talking, this time there was a little girl behind me who basically sobbed and whined her way through the last 1/3 of the second act (among other "scary" moments). I understand, the last part of the second act is very intense and there are a lot of tough/deep subjects they cover, but that's why they suggest it's for 10+. I really wish people would do even the tiniest bit of research on what they're taking their kids to see.

Other than that it was amazing and I hope I can experience it again, maybe I'll get lucky with the lottery one of these days."

This annoys me so much. I have a 10 year old who has been going to Broadway shows since she was 4. HOWEVER that is because she understood what was expected. She is serious about musical theater, singing and acting and has seen a lot of shows. However if I felt she wasn't capable of behaving in a way that is appropriate I would not take her. At FROZEN on Tuesday night a baby was WAILING. Umm who brings a baby to a Broadway show. I wish the theater would not allow that. Yes Frozen is going to skew younger but no way should a baby be allowed in. 

[promisespromises2]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 8:22am

Saw Part I last night and all I can say is... fricken magical. Everything seemed perfect to me. The timing was incredible on everything and the personalities everyone had was brilliant. The show had incredible pace and they knew just where to enter certain things to keep the audience engaged. My partner and I were speechless at the end. I can’t wait for Part II tonight.

The best part about this experience has also been the staff in the lobbies. Everyone was high spirits last night and they were incredibly kind to EVERYONE, even the Potter fanatics who were walking around like they owned the place.

Our seats were in the dress rehearsal on the right, and we had a perfect view of the stage and didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything because of the space between us and the stage.

Harry Potter holds a very emotion string in me, I grew up with the books. And I love how the actors actually feel more like the writing from the books than television. I actually wish someone with Noma Dumezweni’s acting chops played Hermione in the movies. Her portrayal was so much more brilliant and true to the books.

Anthony Boyle was definitely a highlight for me as well. He garnered huge laughs from the audience and was absolutely brilliant as Scorpius Malfoy.

What an incredible nugget of theatre!

[Megsamegatron]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 9:34am

I was back again last night! Just a magical as the first preview and in London (yes judge me it's my third time in two months). 

Last night it was tighter than the first preview, even with the small technical glitch. The magic is beautiful and captivating for me no matter where I seat. The British accents of the non-Brits has gotten significantly better and I'm sure by opening will be perfect. 

My only problem was the rude individual two seats away from me taking pictures in the Act 1. I politely asked twice to stop then threatened to get the usher to remove him. He stopped and hopefully he doesn't try it tonight. 

Overall beautiful magic is happening at the Lyric!

[SarahNYC2]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 10:01am

Megsamegatron said: "I was back again last night! Just a magical as the first preview and in London (yes judge me it's my third time in two months).

Last night it was tighter than the first preview, even with the small technical glitch. The magic is beautiful and captivating for me no matter where I seat. The British accents of the non-Brits has gotten significantly better and I'm sure by opening will be perfect.

My only problem was the rude individual two seats away from me taking pictures in the Act 1. I politely asked twice to stop then threatened to get the usher to remove him. He stopped and hopefully he doesn't try it tonight.

Overall beautiful magic is happening at the Lyric!"

Really-I was up in the balcony and they were super strict about camera. A woman next to me still had hers out when lights went off and the usher was very stern telling her to turn it off. In fact for a minute I thought he was talking to me and double checked to make sure mine was off.

[Megsamegatron]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 10:08am

SarahNYC2 said: 

Really-I was up in the balcony and they were super strict about camera. A woman next to me still had hers out when lights went off and the usher was very stern telling her to turn it off. In fact for a minute I thought he was talking to me and double checked to make sure mine was off."

 

Yes they were in parts of the Dress Circle but because we were the last row the usher didn't look behind only in the front and middle sections. Again if it happens again once tonight, I will get the usher involved. 

[shanphelia]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 1:26pm

I saw Part 2 on Wednesday night (it was worth the snow!) and it blew me away.  It gets very emotional, and I for one was crying quite a bit in both act 1 and act 2.  Jamie Parker is just amazing as Harry; he has to be pouring all of his physical and emotional energy into this character -- he definitely deserved the Olivier and should be a lock for a Tony nom.

Also really enjoyed & appreciated Paul Thornley's Ron a lot more -- he has a quieter but very necessary supporting role to play, and the bits of humor he brings to the scenes are well paced and delivered.  In one scene, I liked the small detail of him and Poppy Miller as Ginny holding hands in a difficult moment.  Poppy is also great in a more supporting role, bringing more depth to Ginny than the books ever did -- especially around her own past trauma and experiences with Voldemort.

Part 2 is quite dark in places and very emotionally complex, with a lot of focus on the adults' relationships to each other as well as to their kids.  I really wouldn't recommend this for young children.  But the play looks beautiful and is really a wonder. Additional comments in spoilers.

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

When Delphi's true nature is revealed, the theater uses the same effect as in London -- the blacklight (? could be other tech?) reveals her scrawling covering the entire walls of the theatre, up to the ceiling, all around the audience.  It's a real wow moment for me.

Loved that the audience gave Snape entrance applause.  Kudos to the actor playing Snape for really capturing the character without channeling Alan Rickman.  They use a similar physical prop for Snape's patronus, but I remember it being a simpler, luminous blue figure in London, which I liked better than the really fierce fire here.  Speaking of fire, there did seem to be a lot more pyrotechnics in the final battle, but may just have felt that way because I was sitting very close and it got *hot* there!

I think the Voldemort costume looks better/more realistic than I remember.  I have the same issue with his ending scene as I did in London.  I think it's a mistake to have Voldemort break the proscenium and walk out in to the audience, because everyone is twisting and turning to see what Voldemort is going to do, which is nothing - he just walks off on his way to kill the Potters.  The emotional weight of the scene is carried by the actors on stage as they stand together to witness Voldemort killing Harry's parents, and it's broken up by the audience's divided attention.

The simple but powerful emblem of the bed in flames to represent the deaths of James and Lily was quite moving.

I still love the whompy ripple of the time turner effect!

 

Updated On: 3/23/18 at 01:26 PM

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 2:07pm

shanphelia said: 

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

"They use a similar physical prop for Snape's patronus, but I remember it being a simpler, luminous blue figure in London, which I liked better than the really fierce fire here."

Could you please elaborate on this a bit? In the books, isn't Snape's patronus a doe?

 

[shanphelia]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 2:28pm

For LOT666:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Yes, Snape's patronus is still a doe.  They represent it by having a person who is carrying a stylized, luminous figure of a doe's head, so that the doe appears to come forward out of the darkness. The figure of the head is on fire, but I think it was a softer blue fire effect in London. Here it seemed to be brightly lit with higher, more orange flames.  Still beautiful either way!

 

[Lot666]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 2:55pm

shanphelia said: "For LOT666:

 

Click Here To Toggle Spoiler Content

Yes, Snape's patronus is still a doe. They represent it by having a person who is carrying a stylized, luminous figure of a doe's head, so that the doe appears to come forward out of the darkness. The figure of the head is on fire, but I think it was a softer blue fire effect in London. Here it seemed to be brightly lit with higher, more orange flames. Still beautiful either way!

"

Thanks for the clarification! In the movies they were all depicted as bluish, spectral entities, so the idea of fire seems a bit odd.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 3:12pm

I was able to see part 1 last night, and was just as awed as I was when I saw it in London. The Lyric's renovations are even more impressive in person, as it manages to feel intimate despite being a large space. A helpful hint: I noticed that the 42nd Street side is less crowded, so when making purchases from the shop or bar, head over to that side. As others have mentioned, the merchandise is largely unchanged rom London, and they surprisingly re-purposed the London souvenir program as a Broadway Previews program, with some added Broadway rehearsal pictures and nformation on the Lyric's renovations.

I saw the replacement cast in London, and the performances are pretty much night and day when compared with the original cast. I definitely prefer the original cast (now that I've seen them), with the exception of maybe Paul Thornley. I think his London replacement manages to express Ron's humor better. But to be honest, I don't know which I prefer. Anthony Boyle and Sam Clemmett do manage to express the relationship between Scorpius and Albus as a pure friendship without overplaying the gay subtext implicit in the script (their London replacements often hint there's more than just a feeling of friendship). They are the true leads of the show.

As someone else mentioned, Delphi reads in her 30s in the script, when she should be about 21-23. I had a hard time believing that Albus would have a crush on her. I also did not care for the actress portraying Professor McGonagall. Aside from reading too young, her accent was all over the place. And unfortunately for anyone in the role, it's impossible to live up to Maggie Smith's portrayal from the films.

The magic seems to be amped up a bit more here than in London. There are definitely added effects. I was underwhelmed with the Part 1 closing effect here, but I think that may have to do more with the size of the theater and my seat location in the orchestra, and the effect being directed more for the dress circle and balcony. 

Looking forward to part 2 tonight.

[Megsamegatron]

Posted: 3/23/18 at 3:29pm

Fosse76 said: "I definitely prefer the original cast (now that I've seen them), with the exception of maybe Paul Thornley. I think his London replacement manages to express Ron's humor better. But to be honest, I don't know which I prefer. "

I 100% agree! That was the one character I thought could have made the jump instead of the OLC.