(Roslyn Sulcas’s article appeared in The New York Times, 6/5; via Pam Green.)
LONDON — It begins with the scene that ended the final book.
Right now, we know little more about “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” the breathlessly awaited new play that — to the joy of fans worldwide — promises an eighth installment of J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter saga. Set 19 years after Harry has defeated his nemesis, Voldemort, in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” the play gives us a 30-something Harry and centers on his son, Albus Potter, entering his first year at Hogwarts just as Harry did at the start of the series.
The play, which has a story line by Ms. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, begins previews at the Palace Theater here on Tuesday, and everything about the production has been shrouded in tantalizing secrecy. A few details — wand design, the stitching on a cloak, cast photos — were revealed to excited fans on Pottermore.com, Ms. Rowling’s website. Even these tidbits received a level of online speculation and enthusiasm worthy of a major political event.