If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter with your very own eyes, then "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway is the closest you'll get. The production boasts special effects that are unlike anything else on stage. Imagine objects levitating, characters soaring through the air and stunning transformations that blur the line between stagecraft and sorcery. "Cursed Child" isn't just a play, it's an immersive experience that will transport you right back into the heart of Hogwarts, starting off with the epilogue in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows."
The original West End production in London debuted in 2016. Inevitably, the two-part, five-hour-long play, with its original West End starring cast members, crossed the pond to Broadway in 2018, winning six Tony Awards including Best Play during its first-year run. In 2021, Broadway's "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" was condensed into a one-part, 3-hour-long production, including an intermission. (However, you can still apparate to London's Palace Theatre to see the full two parts.)
Top Reasons to See "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway
If you're planning a trip to the Lyric Theatre, here are four froggy reasons why you should see "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" on Broadway!
1. Return to Hogwarts
Remember how the original "Harry Potter" series ended with an epilogue titled "19 Years Later"? Well, "Cursed Child" picks up right at the start of this final scene, with the Golden Trio, Ginny (now married to Harry) and Draco Malfoy sending their own children off to Hogwarts on Platform 9 3/4. The story follows Albus Potter's first four years at Hogwarts, as he befriends Scorpius Malfoy, gets sorted into Slytherin and feels as though he fails to live up to his father's legacy. The audience is completely immersed back in the Wizarding World with both familiar and new characters for a wild journey filled with twists and turns.
When the play initially debuted, a version of the script was sold as a book to share the story with the masses. While some fans criticize the plot (and admittedly, this frog wasn't the biggest fan of the script as a standalone medium), my opinion completely flipped 180 degrees once I saw it in the art form it was intended to be.
2. Magical special effects
From flying Dementors to Polyjuice Potion, the production's special effects are quite literally magic. There were so many moments when my jaw dropped! I truly couldn't figure out how the actors pulled off a spell or lightning-fast costume change. The production team not only uses props and physical stunts to create the magic but also lighting, projection mapping and sound. One of the most memorable moments is the time travel ripple effect, which affects the entire theater!
For this show, the best seats aren't actually right up front and center (the closer you are to the stage, there's a possibility you might miss some of the magic — or even see how it's done!). We'd recommend the middle rows (K-P) in the Orchestra section or the first row of the Dress Circle.
3. Unique soundtrack
Instead of John Williams' iconic score, audiences might be surprised not to hear any rendition of "Hedwig's Theme" during the play. British singer, songwriter, composer and music producer, Imogen Heap, crafted the play's soundtrack, using her signature, whimsical electropop sounds. Though "Cursed Child" is a play and not a musical, there are some brief dancing scenes, including a Wand Dance featuring Hogwarts students and a dramatic Death Eater sequence that opens Act 2.
4. Fun for "Harry Potter" fans and muggles alike
"Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" isn't just for the die-hard Potterheads. The play explores relatable themes, including family, friendship and discovering one's identity, which translates into powerful and emotional performances from the core cast. With this stage production, the Wizarding World expands as a continuation of Harry Potter's story, but don't worry if you've never been introduced before. The official website has a quick refresher guide to bring you up to speed if you're not familiar with the original series.
It also brings fans together, as you may spot many Hogwarts robes and house-specific outfits in the audience. You can also stop by the concessions bar to snack on chocolate frogs or sip on Butterbeer (like at the theme parks)!
Harry Potter Broadway Tickets
Grab your Galleons! You can snag amazing seats and save up to $32 a ticket by purchasing "Cursed Child" tickets through Undercover Tourist, backed by a 100% buyer guarantee. Check out our "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" Broadway page for a full schedule of dates and times, or see if it's coming to a city near you.
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, 7:00pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, 7:00pm - Lyric Theatre, New York, NY
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, 7:30pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, 7:00pm - Lyric Theatre, New York, NY
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, 8:00pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 2:00pm - Lyric Theatre, New York, NY
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 2:00pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 8:00pm - Lyric Theatre, New York, NY
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, 8:00pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, 1:00pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, 2:00pm - Lyric Theatre, New York, NY
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Sunday, Feb. 23, 2025, 7:00pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, 7:00pm - Lyric Theatre, New York, NY
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025, 7:30pm - Hollywood Pantages Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
- Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, 7:00pm - Lyric Theatre, New York, NY
How Long Is the Harry Potter Broadway Show?
The "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" runtime is approximately two hours and 55 minutes, including an intermission.
Tips for Seeing "Cursed Child" on Broadway
We have a few tips and tricks up our sleeves for experiencing the magic on Broadway:
- Buy "Cursed Child" tickets early for the best selection.
- Once again, we recommend the middle rows of the Orchestra section or the first row of the Dress Circle.
- Designated ADA seating is available in the Orchestra and Dress Circle levels, with elevator access to both. (The Balcony level does not have elevator access.) The Lyric Theatre uses the free GalaPro app for on-demand captioning and audio description that patrons can use on their personal devices. Closed captioning is also available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Certified with KultureCity, the theater offers sensory bags, equipped with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads. Prior to attending, you can download the free KultureCity app to view which sensory features are available and where they can be accessed.
- Look for special QR codes in the lobby, and scan to bring a portrait or a Patronus to life! (You'll need Instagram for this special interactive AR effect.)
- The play features the use of strobe lights and other visual and sound effects.
- "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" is recommended for ages 8 and up. Children under 5 are not permitted in the theater, and children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Head to the stage door after the show. Though not guaranteed for every performance, you can wait for some of the cast members to come out and sign your Playbill.
Are you ready to get Harry Potter Broadway tickets or tickets for the "Cursed Child" nationwide tour? Find great seats for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and other Broadway shows (as well as hotels and other NYC attractions) through Undercover Tourist.
Related: The 10 Best Broadway Shows for Kids
