SW
Sheila Wittman
Feb 11, 2026
Seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre felt less like attending a play and more like stepping through a portal into a world many of us grew up calling home. The production is a dazzling spectacle, featuring some of the most astonishing special effects and stagecraft I have ever witnessed in a live performance. The sleight of hand, illusions, and seamless transitions are not just impressive, they are unforgettable. The famed Time-Turner sequences in particular live up to their reputation and then surpass it, creating shimmering moments that linger in your mind long after the curtain falls.
What truly elevates this production is the cast’s passion. Every performance radiates genuine love for the material. You can feel that the actors are not only devoted to their craft and to Broadway, but that they also share the audience’s love for the Wizarding World. That shared affection creates an electric connection between stage and seats.
Tom Felton’s return as Draco Malfoy is nothing short of spellbinding. Watching an original cast member reprise his role as an adult Draco carries a powerful sense of history and heart. Hearing him say “Potter” live sent literal goosebumps down my arms. As someone born in 1989 who grew up alongside the books, the films, and the actors themselves, seeing Felton embody Draco all grown up felt deeply personal and profoundly magical. It truly felt as though we grew up together.
The story itself is gripping and beautifully constructed. The play begins exactly where the final film leaves off, and the moment that became clear, I felt a surge of excitement. I attended without having read the script, so every twist and connection to the original series unfolded as a surprise. Discovering how intricately the plot ties back to the original books and films was a joy. Focusing on the friendship between Scorpius Malfoy and Albus Severus Potter is a brilliant choice, and any fan will appreciate how lovingly the legacy characters and themes are handled. Without giving spoilers, I will say that had I known how connected this story is to the original series, I would not have waited eight years to see it.
A special mention must go to the actress playing Moaning Myrtle. Her performance is extraordinary. Her voice, inflections, and comedic timing are so precise that it feels as though the original character has leapt from the films onto the stage. The show would be worth seeing for her performance alone.
I also want to highlight the Lyric Theatre staff, who made my visit exceptional. I attended on crutches due to a knee bone contusion and was extremely anxious beforehand, especially with balcony seats requiring stairs. From the moment I arrived, the staff treated me with remarkable kindness and professionalism. The line manager immediately guided me to the front so I would not have to navigate the full line outside the theater. Security staff were patient and accommodating with my crutches. Inside, a ticket attendant offered to seat me early and arranged for an escort who guided me carefully, helped clear a path through crowds, showed me to the elevator, and waited while I navigated the stairs. I was even offered alternative orchestra seating to avoid stairs altogether, which I deeply appreciated.
For anyone attending on crutches, the stairs are wide, carpeted, and manageable, and elevators provide access to the Orchestra and Dress Circle levels. Waiting for your section to clear before moving makes the process much easier. I recommend bringing a friend or family member with you to help spot you on the stairs, though I was able to manage almost entirely on my own.
All in all, this was a magical, emotional, and masterfully executed theatrical experience. Between the phenomenal cast, the breathtaking effects, the heartfelt storytelling, and the gold-standard customer service, this production earns 5 gleaming gold stars.
KB
Kelsey Brickl
Feb 10, 2026
After a bit of confusion with purchasing a removable accessible seat online that truly met my needs as a non-ambulatory wheelchair user, I was able to get the issue clarified. The updated interactive artwork and pre-ordered (or "order from your seat") snacks are fantastic. The show itself is truly one of the most impressive currently on the West End and Broadway in terms of costuming, casting, lighting, and, of course, the special effects to represent all of the magical spells being cast and the appearance of specific characters. Those who have long loved the Wizarding World will be, well... spellbound! This was my first time seeing the show in one compressed performance, and I thought the story was portrayed just fine in the shorter format.
The House Manager on January 27th, Shannon, and the accessibility assistant Tristan, were wonderful in helping me feel very welcome as I attended alone and needed to ensure I had access to the accessible restroom as well as safe and secure accessible access to the stage door after the show. Many thanks to the Lyric staff and to the company and crew of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child!