It was fun revisiting some of my favorite characters, but a play can't give a reader the depth of a novel which is what I craved. Folks watching the performance can become immersed in the sights, sounds, special effects, and the action of the performers. Novel readers can take cues from descriptions, interior emotional reactions, vivid action verbs, misdirection, etc. Play readers are left with dialog and sparse stage directions. It's rarely a satisfying experience unless it reaches the level of poetry of Shakespeare. As much as I enjoy Rowling's novel writing, her play writing does not reach that level--and I didn't expect it to. As to the story, it has complicated action and nuanced relationships, but a rather obvious antagonist. I would have preferred to read this story as a novel, but the play reminded me why these characters remain so beloved.