Midnight book release parties herald Harry Potter’s return

Harry Potter is back, older and still courting danger along with the rest of the gang — and their children — in the play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts One and Two,” which opens today. Midnight celebrations in the States will accompany the arrival of the play’s script, in book form.

Publications have posted reviews of the play, including a rave from The New York Times’ Ben Brantley, but author J.K. Rowling has asked that details remain under wraps. Jack Thorne wrote the script based on a story he, John Tiffany and Ms. Rowling wrote, and it is safe to say that Harry’s son Albus is a key player.

Participating Barnes & Noble stores are holding midnight release parties to herald this next chapter in the tales of the boy wizard who fought evil with stalwart friends Ron and Hermione. Festivities at the B&N at the Waterfront in West Homestead begin at 8 tonight. Wristbands will be handed out at 7 for those who reserved the book and want to purchase it after the clock strikes 12.

At midweek, the store’s Facebook page showed more than 300 people were interested in the event.

“We’re planning for big, and we’ve got all things Harry Potter planned,” said Nancy Heron, community business development manager for B&N at the Waterfront.

Lights under the Homestead Grays Bridge will be flashing the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry house colors, and upon entering the store, participants will be sorted into one of the four Hogwarts houses — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff. Activities will include a fortune teller, potionmaking, cupcake decorating and Quidditch.

For the uninitiated, Quidditch is played on flying broomsticks in the books and has become a grounded club sport on college campuses. When asked how the store will handle the game, Ms. Heron said, “You’ll have to come and see.”