A whole generation grew up during the years 1997-2007 breathlessly awaiting the release of each new book in J.K. Rowling's seven-volume Harry Potter series of fantasy novels about young witches and wizards battling evil. The books were released at midnight and parents would allow the young fans to stay up long past bedtime at the local bookstore to be the first to buy and read the latest installment.

All that returns tonight when the script for the play Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 and 2, is released as a hardcover book, as the eighth book in the series. It goes on sale at midnight between July 30 and 31

Special release parties are planned at select Barnes & Noble stores across the U.S., the Strand Bookstore and at Books of Wonder. Script publisher Scholastic is maintaining a directory of release parties.

Rowling, John Tiffany and Jack Thorne’s play, which has been in previews since June 7, opens officially July 30 at London's Palace Theatre. It runs four hours and must be seen over the course of two performances.

The play finds Harry, Hermione and Ron now as adults. Here's how the story is described: “It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.”

To book London tickets and for full performance schedules, visit HarryPotterthePlay.com.

(Updated July 29, 2016)