Harry Potter on Broadway NYC: what you need to know about tickets, prices and schedules

In book, in film and also in musical! If you've had your reading and movie-going thrills, you can't miss the Broadway musical of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Here's everything you need to know about this acclaimed show.

Carmen Navarro

Carmen Navarro

9 min read

Harry Potter on Broadway NYC: what you need to know about tickets, prices and schedules

Entrance to the Broadway theatre set to Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. | ©Ajay Suresh

Since its premiere in 2018, there has been nothing else to talk about. Fans of the most famous saga of all time finally have the chance to see the Harry Potter characters on stage - on Broadway, no less! After taking London's theatres by storm, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child looks set to do the same in New York and become one of the best musicals on Broadway.

It's not going to happen again this year. Don't miss out on tickets to see Harry Potter on Broadway. They are already on sale to wrap yourself in the mystery of Hogwarts School while you get into a story full of adventure from beginning to end. Of course, there's no shortage of spells and, of course, magic.

Although this musical was born in two parts, it is now performed in just one session. This way, the whole intense experience is condensed into a single performance.

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How to get tickets to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway

Harry Potter tickets| ©Melissa Castor
Harry Potter tickets| ©Melissa Castor

I recommend that you don't wait until the last minute to buy tickets. The Internet, as you know, makes it very easy to do this; for musicals like this one, getting tickets at the box office for an early date is practically impossible. All you have to do is choose the day you prefer and complete the purchase process which, in most cases, is very intuitive.

Buying Harry Potter tickets in advance has several advantages. For example, you can sometimes get a lower price and you can also choose a seat with good visibility.

You already have your flights, your hotel and you know what to do in New York. All you need is the icing on the cake: go to the musical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway. For a blockbuster show like this, forethought is especially important. And that means only one thing: buy tickets for the Harry Potter musical well in advance, months before you want to see it.

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How much do tickets for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway cost?

Inside the Lyric Theatre| ©Joe Shlabotnik
Inside the Lyric Theatre| ©Joe Shlabotnik

Ticket prices for the Harry Potter musical on Broadway vary depending on certain factors. They are available from approximately €70 to €180. However, if you buy your Harry Potter on Broadway tickets well in advance, you may be able to get a better price.

Comparison of the different sections of the Lyric Theatre to see the Harry Potter musical.

Of course, the price may be higher or lower depending on where your seat is located. The Lyric Theatre, where the Broadway musical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is performed, is divided into three distinct sections: Orchestra, Dress Circle and Balcony.

  • Orchestra. The best area runs from row F to row T.
  • Dress Circle. The front rows of Dress Circle are the most convenient.
  • Balcony. Visibility in the balcony is considerably less than in the other sections of the theatre.

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What to expect at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway

One of the actors during the performance| ©Steve Sorensen
One of the actors during the performance| ©Steve Sorensen

An important fact about the Harry Potter musical is that it is not the stage version of any of the films. This means that it is an original play created specifically to be performed on stage.

The staging is wonderful. It perfectly combines quiet scenes with action-packed ones. The emotional component stays with you throughout, but you'll also go crazy for the special effects- I'm still wondering how they managed to pull off some of the magic!

The Harry Potter musical seems to be tailor-made for its most loyal fans. What's more, it has won a whopping 6 Tony Awards, including Best Play. It has also been called exciting, thrilling, fast-paced and astonishing by leading American newspapers and magazines - so many can't be wrong!

The Plot

The musical takes place 19 years after Harry, Ron and Hermione saved the world. Harry Potter is now an adult, married with children. His life is spent between his family and his job at the Ministry of Magic. The adventures and mysteries seem to have been left in the past, or have they? This is the starting point of a performance that will keep you glued to your seat, almost without blinking an eye.

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Broadway Showtimes

Part of the Broadway Show Scenery| ©Daniel Staud
Part of the Broadway Show Scenery| ©Daniel Staud

The musical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child runs from Tuesday to Sunday at different times and in a single performance, unlike in London when it was split into two parts. Depending on the day of the week, there are performances at 1pm, 7pm or even both. Although the times may vary from weekday to weekday, these are the broad outline of the performance times. Consider them taking into account when it is Best Time of the Year to Travel to New York City.

  • Tuesday 19.00 hours
  • Wednesday 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Thursday 7 p.m.
  • Friday 19.00 hours
  • Saturday 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.
  • Sunday 1 p.m.

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How long is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway?

Part of the setting in the Theatre for the play.| ©Heidi Anne Ward
Part of the setting in the Theatre for the play.| ©Heidi Anne Ward

The Harry Potter musical is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes long. In addition, each performance incorporates an intermission of a few minutes so you can go to the bathroom or buy water or refreshments.

Previously, the musical was divided into two distinct parts, so the audience had to come to the theatre twice. Now the whole show is concentrated in one session.

Which theatre is Harry Potter and the Cursed Child playing on Broadway and what is the address?

Theatre façade on opening day| ©Ajay Suresh
Theatre façade on opening day| ©Ajay Suresh

Since its 2018 Broadway premiere, the musical Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has been playing at the Lyric Theatre. The Lyric Theatre was built in 1998 on the site of a theatre of the same name, but not to be confused with it. The exact address is 214 West 43rd Street.

It underwent a major renovation just a few years ago. It now seats over 1,600, making it one of the 10 largest theatres on Broadway.

How to get to the Lyric Theatre

You can't miss the Lyric Theatre. The nearest New York City underground station is Times Sq - 42 St, which is just a couple of minutes' walk away. It is also located very close to the iconic skyscraper One Times Square which is notable for its illuminated billboards. Right across the street from the Lyric Theatre is the Consulate of the Dominican Republic in New York.

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Can I see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway with children and is it suitable for children?

Family enjoying the show| ©nmpack78
Family enjoying the show| ©nmpack78

Seeing the Harry Potter play is one of the things to do in New York with children. Ideally, however, they should be over 8 years old. The production of the musical indicates that children under the age of 4 are not allowed to enter, most likely due to the special effects and other theatrical elements that may not be recommended for this age group.

All spectators, regardless of their age, must have a ticket to enter the theatre. It should also be remembered that up to 15 years of age, an adult must accompany the audience. Otherwise, the ticket may be refused. After this age, children can enter alone.

Curiously, the recommended age to see the Harry Potter films is 11 years old, although the creators of this musical have thought it appropriate to adapt it even for younger children. So it's a good plan for the whole family.

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What level of English do I need to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway?

Publicity for the play in New York| ©Eden, Janine and Jim
Publicity for the play in New York| ©Eden, Janine and Jim

The great thing about musicals is that, because they are so visual, you don't need to be bilingual to follow the plot. Also, I'm not going to lie to you, if you're not familiar with the American accent, you may feel a little lost during the dialogue. If you are not new to the Harry Potter universe and have read the books or seen the films, you will easily be able to follow along.

At this point, I have a recommendation to make. Even if you don't understand everything, you'll have just as much fun! But if you still don't want to feel lost and you don't want to miss a word, some people use mobile applications like GalaPro. Available for iPhone and Android, this is an app that generates subtitles in real time of the play being performed. Don't tell me it's not an excellent idea!

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What is the dress code for this Broadway musical?

Waiting for the play to start| ©Sivya Leah
Waiting for the play to start| ©Sivya Leah

The big day is coming up and you don't know what to wear? The first thing I have to tell you is that there is no specific dress code for attending a Broadway musical. If you look around, you'll notice that everyone dresses to their own taste. While some are very comfortable in their jeans and an original jumper, others take the opportunity to dress up a little more. After all, it's a unique event!

In this sense, you can consider a couple of details to choose your wardrobe. First of all, which session you are going to. Daytime sessions can be more casual, while evening or night-time sessions tend to be more dressed up. Think, for example, that after the play you might want to go to a cool restaurant or have a drink.

Generally speaking, it's not recommended to go too sporty (save the trainers for another time). If you're travelling to New York in the summer, make sure you pack an extra layer so the air conditioning doesn't catch you unawares.

Should I have dinner before or after the show, and will restaurants be open in the surrounding area?

Hard Rock Cafe Time Square| ©Jimmy Teoh
Hard Rock Cafe Time Square| ©Jimmy Teoh

If New York is the city that never sleeps, imagine Broadway! It's hard to imagine this luminous district turning off its lights. Here, time bustles frantically and there are always people out and about. Since the last performance of the Harry Potter musical is at 7pm and lasts over 2 hours and 30 minutes, you can easily have dinner on the way out.

Remember that you are in the heart of Manhattan, so all dining options are within easy reach. If you don't want to go too far, you can always dine at any restaurant in the area. Most of them are well-known chains and fast food restaurants. Just across the street is the Hard Rock Cafe and there is also a Mexican food establishment called Los Tacos.

Fancy some Italian cuisine? Not far away you will find Tony's di Napoliand Carmine's Italian Restaurant. And if you want a pure American restaurant, you can check out Junior's Restaurant & Bakery or Brooklyn Diner. You might even consider dining near the Top of Rock or check out this guide on where to eat in New York. It won't be for options!

Why do I recommend this musical?

Part of the Broadway Scenes from the Play| ©Mary Record
Part of the Broadway Scenes from the Play| ©Mary Record

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is not only playing in New York, but also in other cities such as London, San Francisco, Melbourne and Hamburg. It will soon be in many other locations. This is definitely a worldwide phenomenon- do you really want to miss it?

If you've read any of the Harry Potter books or seen any of the Harry Potter films, you'll be thrilled to remember the epic adventures, spells and battles. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway is a brand new, original story, so you'll only find it on stage and not in cinemas.

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Other similar Broadway musicals you may be interested in

Part of the cast of Cats on Broadway| ©Mike Prince
Part of the cast of Cats on Broadway| ©Mike Prince

Broadway is the place where dreams come true, or at least where we put a face to them. A visit to New York without seeing a musical would be incomplete. You're spoilt for choice. When it comes to worldwide phenomena, some of Broadway's best musicals come to mind, such as The Lion King, which has been running for over 14 years.

Another of the famous theatre boulevard's greatest hits is The Phantom of the Opera. The spectacular nature of this musical has ensured that it has been running for more than 30 years in New York. Don't miss Cats or Moulin Rouge either.

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