NYC Adventures: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
It was like magic — at least in the theater world. We recently enjoyed a night out on Broadway to see the magical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!
My kids, like most kids around their age, are Harry Potter obsessed. We loved visiting the Harry Potter store in the city so I was thrilled when I learned about their weekly ticket lottery called the Friday Forty. Every week, they release a limited number of tickets through this lottery, which I was thrilled to have won! This included 2 tickets to tickets to the show at $40 per person.
Getting to NYC
I typically like to drive to NYC, even though it can be over 1 hour and 30 minutes from Westchester. There are a lot of parking lots around Times Square and after the show, it was quicker to get home (usually 60 minutes). Since this show is long, I personally liked having a car so that my daughter could fall asleep (which she did) as we headed home.
You can also take the MetroNorth to Grand Central, which might be better if you live in lower Westchester and/or if you’re attending the matinee. From there, you can walk to Times Square or take the S (shuttle train).
What to Expect
Upon arrival, theatergoers were gathered outside taking pictures of the signage and nearby quintessential London phone booth. We picked up our tickets from the box office where we were given tickets to sit in the third-row. Double lottery! My daughter and I were elated as security checked our bags checked and we made our way inside.
The gorgeous theater was decked out in Harry Potter decor with little shops throughout the space. Here, you could buy butterbeer, chocolate wands, jellybeans popcorn, fruit and cheese platters, and tons of merchandise from all of the houses. This also included show-specific merchandise and dark mark items.
Once we sat down, even more magic began as the curtain was open to a train station. We heard whispers of train whistles and rumblings in the background. The show began promptly at 7pm and we were instantly whisked away to a new version of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry — 19 years after the last book. In the play, we meet Harry, Ron & Hermione, and Malfoy’s children who embark on their own adventure. Without giving much away, the play is layered in magic and mystery as seen through Albus Severus Potter (Harry’s son) and his reality of being the famous Harry Potter’s son. We also meet Scorpius Malfoy (Malfoy’s son) as they forge a friendship and embark on an adventure to try to correct the past.
Fans of the book series, will enjoy meeting the new characters as well as seeing grown-up Harry, Ron, and Hermione work together and fight for their kids. Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and even Lord Voldemort makes an appearance.
The play itself is also full of theatrical magic. Right before our eyes, it appeared as if characters were flying, books moved, magic was created, and fire was used. Being so close up, we had our mouths open most of the time, asking: how did they do that?
Fans of the book series will not be disappointed. The magic lives on in this play as the next generation embarks on their own personal journey of friendship, adventure, and magic.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Lottery Details
A limited number of $40 tickets for the following week’s performances are released every Friday. You have to enter on Monday from 12:01am to Friday at 1:00pm via TodayTix.com or the TodayTix app (I entered via the app). Winners are then notified via email or via the app on Friday from 1:00pm-5:00pm for the following week.
Details
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child runs for 3 hours and 30 minutes, which also includes an intermission. The play is meant for children ages 8 and older; children under 4 years are not permitted and children under the age of 15 will not be admitted to the theater without an adult.
Showtimes
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child can be seen on Tuesday at 7pm; Wednesday at 1pm and 7pm; Thursday at 7pm; Friday at 7pm; Saturday at at 1pm and 7pm and Sunday at 1pm.
Location
Lycric Theater is located at 214 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036.
Enjoy!
