Wizard Invasion at Kingstowne

The only thing that distinguished the Regal Kingstowne 16 from Lollapalooza Thursday night was the wizard wear. The parking lot was jammed and the theaters were full of men, women and children who had to be the first to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.

The film opened at 12:01 a.m. Friday, and in the grand tradition of Harry Potter, fans showed up hours ahead of time to tap their wands in anticipation and take part in some lively, theater-sanctioned activities.

Kingstowne put together a Potter party that kicked off at 10 p.m. Thursday with games and prizes. Theatergoers were asked trivia questions like “What did Harry inherit in Sirius Black’s will?” and “What shape does the boggart take when Neville encounters it?” Folks who had the right answer were rewarded with thunderous applause and souvenir posters. A costume contest was also held and fans dressed as characters such as Hagrid and Professor Sprout to try to win prizes.

Seventeen-year-old Angela Longo said the midnight screening was an occasion she couldn’t bear to miss.

“’A’ I can’t wait and ‘B’ I love being around people who accept me,” Longo said.  “I like Kingstowne the best, it’s the greatest atmosphere ever; no one is judging you at all.”

More than half a dozen show times at Kingstowne had sold out days in advance and by 9:30 p.m. Thursday, every midnight screening was booked solid. Some fans in the crowd were opening night regulars, while others were experiencing Potter mania for the first time.

“This is the first midnight show of Harry Potter that I’ve seen but I appreciate it,” said Mark Mavilia.

Mavilia has read all the books and is drawn to the series because of how relatable it is and how fantastic a realm it creates.

“There are real life scenarios that you can relate to, but also, the magic," he said. "It’s so easy to go into that world."

Concert-like cheers filled the auditorium at the start and end of the movie, but also at key moments during the action.  And while this may be the final film in the epic saga of the boy wizard, it’s probably safe to say the magic at the box office is just beginning.

“It’s fantasy,” said Catie Liebeck.  “You can cast any spell you want and you can be anyone you want.”