Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts 1 & 2 was released midnight Sunday, and it was like Yule Ball in July.
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More than 5,000 bookstores and libraries opened their doors for midnight release parties, with fans waiting in lines out the door to pick up their copy of the printed script. There were costume contests, wizard nerd rock bands and, of course, lots and lots of butterbeer.
The boys in blue guarding the books before midnight! @DallasPD #HarryPotterAndTheCursedChild pic.twitter.com/g0KxIO4cLn
— Half Price Books (@halfpricebooks) July 31, 2016
No better thing than a line outside a bookstore. ?❤️ #CursedChild pic.twitter.com/x3WlMfNnzI
— Isaac Fitzgerald (@IsaacFitzgerald) July 31, 2016
Got here right at open⚡️ #HarryPotter #CursedChild pic.twitter.com/Z8ZI6HUCQi
— Sara Hayden (@sara_hayden) July 31, 2016
We don’t know how many copies have sold yet, but we already know Cursed Child is very likely going to be a hit. Last week, Barnes & Noble said it was the retailer’s most pre-ordered book since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Tons of midnight Potter fans have already started the book, with many staying up all night to get through it. The consensus it that it’s good, if not great, with playwright Jack Thorne nailing Rowling’s tone.
I just opened #CursedChild to start reading and burst into tears when I saw Harry’s name. This is the best day.
— Katey Psencik (@psencikk) July 31, 2016
It’s almost 4am and I can’t put the #CursedChild down. Send help.
— Cali Burrito⚡ (@CaliMarie16) July 31, 2016
Just finished #TheCursedChild, so many emotions, but yet again a brilliant story from @jk_rowling. I. Must. See. This. Play.
— Kristen Corradeno (@shutupkristen) July 31, 2016
Cursed Child is heartbreakingly beautiful and all that I could have ever wanted in a sequel. You did it again @jk_rowling. Thank you
— Christina Johnson (@xChristinaMaria) July 31, 2016
A few lucky others got a chance to see the play in the flesh, with the gala opening of the two-part play at London Theatre on Saturday. The play is getting solid reviews, already sold out through December 2017 with 250,000 more tickets going on sale next month. Attendees showed off their tickets and swag, while the rest of us showed off our jealousy.
Watching both parts of @HPPlayLDN #CursedChild at opening gala was 1 of the best theatre experiences of my life pic.twitter.com/aSpfLe14wN
— Baz Bamigboye (@BazBam) July 31, 2016
So we met this FAB couple on the tube after the #CursedChild book launch and they’d just seen the play @jk_rowling pic.twitter.com/GM3cbG1Dry
— Jamie (@thedemontowers) July 30, 2016
I want to see the #CursedChild play ?
— allison (@imjustalli) July 31, 2016
Someone, anyone, please sell me a #CursedChild ticket!? I’ll give you my soul ?
— Graeme (@Graemes_script) July 30, 2016
Author J.K. Rowling has asked readers, attendees and attendees to #keepthesecrets, not spoiling the story for others who haven’t experienced it yet. Most Potter fans seem to be complying, even showing off the buttons they have received after watching Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on stage.
And before you ask, yes, there’s also a Harry Potter SnapChat filter. And it’s about as glorious as you’d expect.