Tag: book-review

Entertainment

Tom Felton Makes Broadway Debut as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Entertainment Desk

Tom Felton, the actor known worldwide for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, has officially made his Broadway debut at New York’s Lyric Theatre in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. On opening night, November 11, 2025, Felton stepped onto the stage to reprise the role that defined his career, performing as Draco Malfoy in a story that follows the children of Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Draco himself. Fans packed the theatre, some wearing Hogwarts scarves and others holding programs like cherished keepsakes, creating an atmosphere described as “electric.”

Felton’s run will continue for 26 weeks, through May 10, 2026, and features a talented Broadway company including Trish Lindstrom as Ginny Potter, John Skelley as Harry Potter, Emmet Smith as Albus Potter, Aidan Close as Scorpius Malfoy, Rachel Christopher as Hermione Granger, Daniel Fredrick as Ron Weasley, Janae Hammond as Rose Granger-Weasley, and Kristen Martin as Delphi Diggory. The ensemble also includes Logan Becker and over 30 performers, highlighting a mix of returning tour talents and new cast members.

The Broadway engagement was made even more special by a backstage reunion of three generations of Malfoys. Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, joined Felton and Aidan Close, who plays Draco’s son Scorpius on stage. The reunion was celebrated on social media, with Isaacs posting a photo and heartfelt tribute praising Felton’s performance, calling it brave and unforgettable. Felton expressed his excitement and gratitude, posting photos and acknowledging the magical moment of three generations meeting for the first time on stage.

Since its 2016 world premiere in London, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has become a global stage phenomenon, selling over 11 million tickets worldwide and earning 60 major awards, including nine Olivier Awards and six Tony Awards. The production continues to run in London, New York, Hamburg, Tokyo, and on tour across North America, with a Dutch-language production set to open in 2026. Felton’s Broadway debut marks a milestone not only for his career but also for fans of the franchise, as the iconic character of Draco Malfoy returns to the stage in a new chapter of the wizarding world.

Films

‘Genie, Make a Wish’ Casts a Spell, Becomes Netflix’s #1 International Series

Tanisha Cardozo

The Korean fantasy romance Genie, Make a Wish has quickly become a worldwide streaming sensation, officially claiming the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s non-English TV chart for the week ending October 12. With over 8 million views, the series has climbed from its debut at No. 5 to dominate the global rankings just days after its release on October 3.

This 12-episode Netflix original is the latest masterpiece from Kim Eun-sook, the legendary screenwriter behind classics such as Goblin, Descendants of the Sun, and Heirs. Genie, Make a Wish brings together beloved stars Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin, whose on-screen chemistry has captivated millions.

The story follows Ga-young, played by Bae Suzy, a woman grappling with antisocial personality disorder whose life changes forever when she accidentally awakens a mysterious genie—played by Kim Woo-bin—trapped for a thousand years beneath the desert sands of Dubai. In exchange for his freedom, the genie grants her three wishes, setting in motion a journey filled with enchantment, emotional tension, and unexpected self-discovery.

Originally directed by Lee Byeong-heon, known for Extreme Job and Chicken Nugget, the project was later taken over by Ahn Gil-ho, acclaimed for The Glory. This directorial switch brought a darker emotional tone and stronger psychological depth to the narrative, enhancing the fantasy elements with raw vulnerability.

Audiences and critics alike have praised the show for its stunning cinematography, layered storytelling, and the dream pairing of Suzy and Woo-bin. The show’s emotional resonance and bold take on magical realism have especially struck a chord with younger audiences navigating issues of identity, trauma, and destiny.

The global success of Genie, Make a Wish reaffirms the overwhelming power and appeal of Korean content on international streaming platforms. Its rise to the top of Netflix charts once again highlights how K-dramas continue to push narrative boundaries and capture hearts worldwide.

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Baek Se-hee, Author of I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, Dies at 35

Tanisha Cardozo

Baek Se-hee, the South Korean author of the internationally acclaimed memoir I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki, has died at the age of 35. Known for her candid exploration of mental health and her ability to articulate the quiet inner conflicts that many face, Baek leaves behind a legacy of honesty, empathy, and cultural impact.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DP8SkZ6AeTw/

Her 2018 book, which was originally published in Korean, quickly became a cultural touchstone. Composed of a series of real conversations with her psychiatrist, the book offered readers a rare and unfiltered look into the daily struggles of living with persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia). In doing so, Baek challenged social stigmas and gave language to thoughts and feelings that often remain unspoken.

The memoir struck a powerful chord with readers not just in South Korea, but globally. Following its English translation in 2022, I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki became a bestseller in over 25 countries, selling more than a million copies worldwide. Its title—juxtaposing despair with a craving for a beloved Korean street food—embodied the paradoxes of life with mental illness: the desire to give up, yet also the impulse to hold on for the small joys.

The circumstances surrounding Baek’s death remain unclear. However, in a statement released by the Korean Organ Donation Agency, it was revealed that Baek had donated her heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys—saving five lives in the process. Her final act reflects the deep compassion that marked both her life and work. A message from her sister included in the statement said Baek “wanted to share her heart with others through her work, and to inspire hope.”

In a world where silence around mental health is often the norm, Baek Se-hee wrote with courage and clarity. Her words made readers feel less alone. Her story became a mirror for many, especially young people navigating similar emotional terrains. Her book was not only a success in sales, but a rare example of how literature can serve as both a confessional and a collective healing space.

As tributes pour in from readers, authors, and mental health advocates, Baek’s work continues to resonate. Her passing is a significant loss to global literature and the mental health community, but her impact will live on in the hearts of readers she moved and lives she saved.

Special Occasion

World Thinking Day 2025: Empowering Girls for a Positive Difference

allycaralgoa

Every year on February 22nd, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world come together to celebrate World Thinking Day. This special day was initiated in 1946 by a group of Girl Guide and Girl Scout delegates attending the 4th World Conference in the USA. The delegates wanted to dedicate a day to thinking about their “sister” scouts around the world and to consider the global impact of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement.

February 22nd was chosen as the date for World Thinking Day because it is the joint birthday of Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scout and Guide movement, and his wife Olave. Today, the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement is a global phenomenon, with 10 million girls across 150 countries. World Thinking Day is an opportunity for these girls to connect with each other, share their experiences, and raise funds to support the movement.

The Theme: “Our Story”

This year’s theme, “Our Story,” reflects the past, present, and future of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement. It celebrates the values and symbolism that have defined the movement over the years, while also empowering girls around the world to develop the skills and confidence they need to create a positive difference.

A Message of Friendship and Solidarity

As Lady Baden-Powell and Mary Drewery wrote in “Window on my heart” (1983), “Though you cannot visit sister Guides in France or Finland, in Austria or Australia, in Italy or Iceland, Canada or Chile, Ghana or Guatemala, USA, or U.A.R., you can reach out to them there in your MIND. And in this unseen, spiritual way you can give them your uplifting sympathy and friendship.”

Join the Celebration

On World Thinking Day, girls around the world are encouraged to think about their “sister” scouts and to consider the global impact of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement. You can join the celebration by learning more about the movement, sharing your own story, and supporting girls around the world who are working to create a positive difference.

Get Involved

  • Learn more about the Girl Guide and Girl Scout movement
  • Share your own story and experiences
  • Support girls around the world who are working to create a positive difference
  • Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #WorldThinkingDay