A Magical Night at the Multiplex

Robed Hogwarts fans waited in snaking lines for the clock to strike midnight at the .

For some, the premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two was just a night out with friends. But for others, it was the bittersweet end of an era, and the last time to safely don a lightning-bolt shaped scar in public.

“I don’t want it to end,” said Jessica Cooper, of Lindenhurst, while sitting behind the police tape wearing a Hogwarts school uniform. “A lot of my friends came here, so since the series is ending, we want to do it together."

Although the scene of costumed movie-goers was chaotic, theater staff said things ran well.

“It’s about as organized as it can be,” said Alan Moore, the Farmingdale Multiplex manager. “It’s going pretty well, and smoothly.”

The Farmingdale Multiplex was divided into multiple lines for different showings of the movie. Inside, the longest line was devoted to the midnight showing, while outside the theater, smaller roped-off sections designated the 12:15 and 12:30 showings.  As the lines for the midnight showing began to trickle into the auditorium, the next wave of Potter fans were let into the theater.

“We came to this theater because they have stadium seating, it’s a gigantic theater,” said Connor Cumisky, of Massapequa, who was waiting on the 12:15 line. “This movie is probably going to be the best one,” his friend Samantha Casalone added.

According to Rachel Lulay, a spokesperson for National Amusements, the midnight showing of Harry Potter never actually sold out. “We keep adding additional auditoriums as ones sell out,” she said. “We can run on all 14 screens if needed.”  

Lulay added that the theater was well-prepared for large numbers. “The attendance is expected to exceed 2500 people…all theaters depend on large audiences and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II shouldn’t disappoint.”

Most everyone who stood on line was sporting Harry Potter gear. Many just showed their enthusiasm with Hogwarts shirts, while others had home-made t-shirts that read “Team Harry” or other personalized mottoes. Black robes, Hogwarts scarves and even red Weasley wigs could be spotted in the crowd.

“I am definitely looking forward to the battle between Bellatrix and Mrs. Weasley," said Brittany Derby, of Levittown, who was dressed as a Deatheater.

At the head of the line of hundreds, two teenage girls sat under a Hogwarts blanket. “We got here at a quarter to six to be the first in line,” said Diana Ruspoli, of Amityville. “We had to, it’s our last chance to see a Harry Potter movie. I think I’m definitely going to be crying.”

Not only is this the last of the Harry Potter premieres at the Farmingdale Multiplex, but it is also the last Harry Potter premiere of any kind, and for Potter fans everywhere, the time to finally retire that wand.