Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Gone are the days when one could expect to read simple scripts of new three- or four-act plays. With J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the reader is presented with a couple of dozen two-minute scenes for each of its four acts, featuring complicated staging and special effects, making it nearly impossible for anything less than a full Broadway production to do it justice. This is entirely due to Jack Thorne, Rowling's co-writer on the project, and it leads the reader to imagine the play as a theatrical production, rather than focusing on the underlying narrative.
The story revolves around Harry's son, Albus, a troubled boy living in his father's shadow, who forms an unlikely friendship with Scorpius Malfoy, equally troubled son of Draco. Draco himself has grown up emotionally since his time in the first seven books, but dark rumours persist about Scorpius' true parentage. In turn, the pair makes friends with Delphi Diggory, cousin of the doomed Cedric. In attempt to right past wrongs, and perhaps to prove themselves, Albus and Scorpius engage in a dangerous plan to steal the last remaining Time-Turner, return to the Tri-Wizard Tournament of Goblet of Fire, and attempt to save Cedric's life.
Predictably, this results in various paradoxes and butterfly effects common to time-travel stories (think Stephen King's 11/22/63). Harry, Hermione, and the ever-oblivious Ron must act when it's evident the boys have become involved in something far beyond their abilities.
The story of just whom is the "cursed" (or perhaps "accursed"?) child actually is, is left as an exercise for the reader. Albus, Scorpius, Cedric, and even Delphi are all likely candidates, for various reasons, although one in particular does stand out.
As a play, it makes for an imaginative read, but it may have done better if Rowling had put the work into doing a novella.  Rating: **1/2 out of 5.

October Events:

Note these events are listed for information purposes only. Dates and locations may be subject to change; see the source for details. If I’ve missed anyone and you’d like to add to this listing, please contact me. All times Mountain Daylight Time.

Sep 30-Oct 2: Calgary New Earth Expo at Big Four Building. http://thenewearthexpo.com

Oct 1, 7:30 pm:  COGCOA Coffee Cauldron. http://www.cogcoa.ab.ca

Oct 8, 9:30 am:  New Age Market at Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Hall.

Oct 10:  Canadian Thanksgiving.

Oct 14-16:  Calgary Tattoo and Arts Festival at BMO Centre. http://www.calgarytattoos.com

Oct 15-16:  HempFest Expo at Big Four Building. http://www.hempfestcanada.com

Oct 15, 11:00 am:  Calgary Kinky Flea Market at Forest Heights Community Association.

Oct 15, 12:00 noon:  Calgary Zombie Walk at Olympic Plaza.

Oct 15, 10:25 pm:  Full (Hunters’) Moon.

Oct 19, 7:30 pm:  Calgary Witches' Meetup.  Info on Facebook.

Oct 22, 7:00 pm:  Halloween Crystal Ball Party, hosted by Shadowdivination.

Oct 22, 7:30 pm sharp:  COGCOA Samhain Community Ritual.

Oct 25, 7:00 pm:  Paranormal Pub Night at Dickens Pub, sponsored by Ghost Hunt Alberta.

Oct 28-30:  Calgary Gem and Mineral Show at Chinese Cultural Centre. http://calgarygemshow.com

Oct 29-30:  Hallow’s Eve in The Village (Godric’s Hollow) in East Village.

Oct 29, 10:00 am:  New Age Market “Booganza” at Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Hall.

Oct 29, 7:00 pm: Heathen Meet and Greet. Info: Calgary Heathens on Facebook.

Oct 30, 11:39 am:  New Moon. Gort/Ivy lunar month begins.

Oct 30, 7:00 pm:  Paranormal Halloween Party at Rose & Crown, sponsored by Ghost Hunt Alberta.

Oct 31:  Samhain.  Happy New Year!