Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One & Two J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany
4/5 stars
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One & Two is a play written by Thorne and Tiffany, based on a story by Rowling. In it, Harry and his youngest son, Albus, have a difficult relationship. The legacy of "Harry Potter" doesn't sit well on Albus's young shoulders; he feels exceptionally different from his father, and even perceives that Harry doesn't love him. Albus and his best friend find themselves in an adventure that ultimately shows Albus's brave spirit and caring heart, yet nearly destroys the hard won peace of the wizarding world.
Many of the beloved characters from the Harry Potter past are in the Cursed Child in some form or another, from the Golden Trio to the Trolley Witch. Some familiar scenes were revisited, which was poignant. An iconic scene was recreated under slightly different circumstances; I'm convinced it was done just to make the fans blubber--and I'm not ashamed to say that I did. The new plot itself is fun, serious, exciting--just like the original stories.
My difficulties with the Cursed Child were few, but definite. I think that one of the adult characters had changed more than was believable. I think that one of the child characters was a little too good to be true. As for the mystery/secret/whatever it should be called, it was entirely too easy to figure out very early on in the plot. Also, some of the scenes felt forced, as if the writers were trying too hard to wring out emotion. For these reasons, I have to say that I "liked" rather than "loved" it.
Overall, the Cursed Child--while flawed--is a pleasant, nostalgic trip back to the Potterverse, and introduces new and endearing characters to the fans.
