Preparing for Harry Potter

[AlanR2]

There has  been a lot of interest and discussion about the new Harry Potter play about to start on Broadway.  As and individual who knows NOTHING about Harry Potter I am looking for recommendations on the best way to prepare.  Any thoughts from experts?  I have tickets in April, so reading all the books is out.  Should I read some of them? The last one? see a movie? all the movies?  Or just go cold?

Any advice appreciated.  Thanks, 

Alan

[Notreallysilent 2]

It will probably be easier to watch all the movies instead of reading all the books. You definitely should have knowledge of the story cuz it’s based off of the other ones. If you are really tight on time, at least watch the first movie, the fourth, and both deathly hallows parts. But I definitely would not go in cold cuz you won’t be able to understand some of the basis of the show. If you have HBO all the movies are up there. If you have enough time though watch all the movies the series is fantastic.

[BroadwayRox3588]

Seeing the movies should be sufficient. They introduce you to the characters, and 

 

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there's an epilogue at the end of the last movie that tells you about the characters' relationships, their children, etc.

And maybe you'll then be compelled to read the books after you see the play! Hope this helps at least a little.

[Kad]

You definitely need familiarity with the full series for this. It's built on characters and situations from basically every installment. At the very least, watch all the movies.  

[Wick3]

Just go cold or just read the play itself. That's what I did before watching the play in London (big HP fan here.)

If reading all the books is not possible, then try to watch all the HP movies. 

 

[pdjennings]

The plot covers a lot from across the entire series, so I’d highly recommend reading them all. Just watching the movies will give you the overall basics, but there’s a lot of backstory and character stuff that is still missing. Still, that would be better than nothing — but I say get reading...

[pdjennings]

You have PLENTY of time to read them before April!

[jpbran]

Ok, I'll be that guy... why buy tix for one of the most expensive theatrical outings ever -- and a sequel at that -- with zero familiarity of the source material?  I do agree with the other posters: if not the books, at least watch all the movies. (Either way, hope you do get up to speed enough for it to be worthwhile!) 

[sorano916]

Wick3 said: "Just go cold or just read the play itself. That's what I did before watching the play in London (big HP fan here.)

If reading all the books is not possible, then try to watch all the HP movies."

Actually, I would say DO NOT read the play script. It has created polarizing opinions and honestly, you won't get background on characters if you read the play script.

 

 

[LesWickedly]

While I’ve been a fan for years, I recently listened to all of the audiobooks and it only took me a month and a half. Sure, I listened to them at 1.5 speed, sometimes 2x speed, but I got through them all and it was great. That might be hard to do with your time limitations, so at least the movies should be watched.

[Megsamegatron]

Agreeing with others, just watch the movies.

Also I say it in London and I would not recommend reading the script beforehand.

 

[TotallyEffed]

Read the books, you savage.

[Fosse76]

The London program has a synopsis of each book, as well as a short description of some of the characters and terms from the book series, which will also likely be in the Showbill (assuming they don't switch to Playbill). However, familiarity with the books is ideal. Definitely watch the movies if you don't have time to read the books, but familiarity with books 4 and 5 would be better (and book 3 for a better understanding of the main plot device).

[JBroadway]

I'd would actually argue that reading the script beforehand has its advantages, especially for people who are unfamiliar with the source material:

 

The script, I'm sorry to say, is extremely flawed. While some may disagree, that seems to be the general consensus. Lots of bizarre twists and turns, lots of clunky dialogues and lazy jokes, etc. What makes the show so fantastic is the physical production. If you're already familiar with the script beforehand, the spotty writing is less likely to taint your experience, because you will be prepared for it, and you'll instead be focused on the production.

Also, reading the script can heighten the anticipation for the show, because the script contains stage-directions of what happens, but they do not reveal HOW they portray it onstage. Since the stagecraft is one of the main joys of this production, you'll go in eager to find out how each bit of magic is portrayed. 

Furthermore, if you're worried about following the story and characters - as I expect you would be, being unfamiliar with the original material - reading it beforehand can give you time to clear up any confusion you may have. 

 

[Megsamegatron]

Fosse76 said: "The London program has a synopsis of each book, as well as a short description of some of the characters and terms from the book series, which will also likely be in the Showbill (assuming they don't switch to Playbill). However, familiarity with the books is ideal. Definitely watch the movies if you don't have time to read the books, but familiarity with books 4and 5 would be better (and book 3 for a better understanding of the main plot device)."

I'm really hoping for a program as great as the London program but don't have my hopes up that high

[TotallyEffed]

I would absolutely NOT read the script before seeing this play. I’d consider that both a huge mistake and quite a shame.

[AlanR2]

Thanks! Lots of helpful hints.  I think I'll start with a movie or two this weekend.

Why NOT buy tickets to a show this hot, that has already won record breaking awards in London?  As a theater lover, seemed like one I shouldn't miss, and certainly couldn't wait a while a decide later if interested. It's buy now or never (unless you are super wealthy) so I went for the now and am very excited to join the bandwagon.

Thanks to all.

[BroadwayConcierge]

The books are superior to the movies, but the movies will do the job (not to discredit the movies at all; they're great in their own way). Definitely make sure you're familiar with the Potter world before the show.

Can you watch 1-2 a week before your April performance? You should easily be able to make it through all eight by then.

[macnyc]

I'm so glad to see this thread. I was just wondering the same thing! I'm going with my daughter, a Potter fanatic, and our tickets are for August. So I will read all the books, including the first three that I read when they came out (and don't remember).

Also, I wanted to add, for you Potter fans, you might enjoy Puffs at New World Stages. I saw that with my daughter last month and I knew going in that I probably wouldn't get it. That turned out to be true, but my daughter and the rest of the audience were howling with laughter all night. So you need in-depth knowledge of all seven books to get the jokes. Much of the material in Puffs derives from the minor characters that populate Hogwarts. Highly recommended!

[blaxx]

The script, I'm sorry to say, is extremely flawed. While some may disagree, that seems to be the general consensus. Lots of bizarre twists and turns, lots of clunky dialogues and lazy jokes, etc. What makes the show so fantastic is the physical production. If you're already familiar with the script beforehand, the spotty writing is less likely to taint your experience, because you will be prepared for it, and you'llinstead be focused on the production.

Is your family the general consensus? The script has been universally praised; it is sharp, concise and overall amazing. All the twists and turns move right along with the brand and the way the books took their own plots. Nothing lazy about it. 

 

[jenhum]

macnyc said: "I'm so glad to see this thread. I was just wondering the same thing! I'm going with my daughter, a Potter fanatic, and our tickets are for August. So I will read all the books, including the first three that I read when they came out (and don't remember).

Also, I wanted to add, for you Potter fans, you might enjoy Puffs at New World Stages. I saw that with my daughter last month and I knew going in that I probably wouldn't get it. That turned out to be true, but my daughter and the rest of the audience were howling with laughter all night. So you need in-depth knowledge of all seven books to get the jokes. Much of the material in Puffs derives from the minor characters that populate Hogwarts.Highly recommended!"

What age would you say Puffs is appropriate for? I have a daughter who will be 10 when we go see Cursed Child, and we are both HUGE Potter fans, but I don't know if it's appropriate for her age or not.

[Miles2Go2]

AlanR2 said: "Thanks! Lots of helpful hints. I think I'll start with a movie or two this weekend.

Why NOT buy tickets to a show this hot, that has already won record breaking awards in London? As a theater lover, seemed like one I shouldn't miss, and certainly couldn't wait a while a decide later if interested. It's buy now or never (unless you are super wealthy) so I went for the now and am very excited to join the bandwagon.

Thanks to all."

AlanR2, you owe others exactly no apologies or explanations for which shows you decide to spend your money on. Sounds like you’re doing what you need to do to be prepared for the show. Enjoy! 

[bwayphreak234]

Definitely read the books if you can!

[macnyc]

jenhum said: 
What age would you say Puffs is appropriate for? I have a daughter who will be 10 when we go see Cursed Child, and we are both HUGE Potter fans, but I don't know if it's appropriate for herage or not."

There is one distinctly "dirty part" of Puffs that is apparently removed for the matinees, where kids are more likely to be in attendance. So be sure you go to a matinee instead of an evening show.

At my performance, there were several younger people in the audience, and I felt bad for them when the sexual references started to fly.

If you are huge Potter fans, Puffs is for you!

 

 

 

[Andy51]

jpbran said: "Ok, I'll be that guy... why buy tix for one of the most expensive theatrical outings ever -- and a sequel at that --with zero familiarity of the source material?  

Since I'm in the same boat (having bought premium tickets and knowing little about HP), I'll offer an answer:  (1) I have the disposable income; (2) my 11 yr. old son is a big HP fan and has read all the books; (3) sometimes I'm prone to following the herd instinct; and (4) as far as the books go, there are too many better works of literature on my reading list to ever allow me to get to the HP series  (which is not to assert that the HP books aren't good).