Press Release: Scholastic Sells More Than 2M Copies of Harry Potter and The Cursed Child in First Two Days
New York, NY (August 3, 2016) -- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two script book, the eighth Harry Potter story by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne, published in the U.S. and Canada by Scholastic, hit bookstores nationwide at 12:01 a.m. on July 31, 2016. Retailer reports estimate that Scholastic has sold more than 2 million copies in North America in the first two days of sales, unprecedented for a script book.
“Eager fans of all ages gathered at midnight parties in bookstores and libraries to get their copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, bringing communities together to celebrate the magic of reading and the power of great storytelling,” said Ellie Berger, President, Scholastic Trade. “It’s an incredible start and all the signs are indicating continued strong sales for this exciting release.”
Scholastic announced a first printing of 4.5 million copies of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two script book, and retailers reported fast-paced, record-breaking pre-sales leading up to the release date.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two, a play by Jack Thorne based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, premiered at The Palace Theatre in London’s West End on July 30, 2016 and received rave 5 star reviews. At 12:01 a.m. ET on July 31, Scholastic released the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts One and Two script book (ISBN 978-1-338-09913-3; All Ages), in print in the U.S. and Canada. This Special Rehearsal Edition contains the complete script, including stage directions, used by the original West End production during the play’s preview period.
The New York Times praised the script book as, “electric and nonstop…a compelling, stay-up-all-night read,” and Entertainment Weekly, in an “A” review, calls it, “captivating…this is Harry Potter like you’ve never experienced it before.” The Globe and Mail in Canada exclaimed that it’s “thumpingly good.”
Following rave reviews, Sonia Friedman, Colin Callender and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions,producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, recently announced that a further 250,000 tickets will be released for sale tomorrow ( Thursday August 4, 2016) at 11am BST, booking through to December 10, 2017. Tickets are priced from £15 per part and for every performance there will be 300 tickets at £20 or less per part.
Box Office - 0330 333 4813 www.HarryPotterthePlay.com
The first seven Harry Potter stories, published by Scholastic in the U.S. between 1998 and 2007 have sold more than 160 million copies in the U.S., over 450 million copies worldwide, and are distributed in more than 200 territories, translated into 79 languages, and have been turned into eight blockbuster films.
About Scholastic
Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books, a leading provider of print and digital instructional materials for pre-K to grade 12, and a producer of educational and entertaining children's media. The Company creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning programs, classroom magazines and other products that, in combination, offer schools customized solutions to support children's learning both at school and at home. The Company also makes quality, affordable books available to all children through school-based book clubs and book fairs. With a 96 year history of service to schools and families, Scholastic continues to carry out its commitment to "Open a World of Possible" for all children. Learn more at www.scholastic.com.
