A Magical First Broadway Experience: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Chicago

Experiencing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Chicago with my 5-year-old son was nothing short of magical. It was his first Broadway play. The welcoming staff and immersive atmosphere made the experience feel truly special. Our orchestra seats offered the perfect view, allowing us to take in every flick of a wand, every magical creature, and every breathtaking transformation on stage.

We arrived at Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in Chicago dressed proudly in our House Slytherin gear, excited for the adventure ahead. As we entered the theater, we were delighted to see many other fans dressed in their Hogwarts house attire. The theater staff added to the magic by handing out matching “house” stickers to everyone in costume, making the atmosphere feel like we had truly arrived at Platform 9 ¾.

I was curious how well he would engage, but from the opening scene, he was completely enchanted. It kept him completely captivated, his wide eyes reflecting every magical spell, duel, and dramatic twist. The play didn’t just entertain him—it drew all of us into the story so deeply that he believed we were right there at Hogwarts, living the adventure ourselves.

The story, centered on Albus Severus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy, effortlessly blended themes of friendship, bravery, and redemption. Their unlikely bond and time-traveling quest unfolded with such intensity that my son followed every twist, occasionally leaning over to whisper curious questions about what might happen next. He quickly grasped the central conflict of fixing past mistakes, relating it to the friendships and adventures he’s read about in the Harry Potter books and seen in the films.

The play’s narrative picks up 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, delving into the struggles of living in the shadow of a famous parent. Albus and Scorpius’s time-traveling quest to fix past mistakes brings beloved characters like Harry, Hermione, and Draco back into the spotlight, exploring their adult lives in new and compelling ways.

What made the experience even more special was how the play redefined Slytherin House. Often considered the “bad” house in the Harry Potter universe, Slytherin took on a heroic light in this story. Seeing Albus Severus Potter, Harry’s son, sorted into Slytherin and watching him become a central hero was deeply meaningful. It reminded us that courage, loyalty, and friendship can come from any house—and that even misunderstood legacies can change.

The theatrical magic was astonishing. The special effects were seamless, making spells, duels, and even time travel feel entirely real. My son was wide-eyed as objects levitated, characters vanished, and bursts of magical light filled the stage. Every illusion felt like a genuine act of wizardry, leaving the audience in awe. From objects flying through the air to spells bursting with light, every illusion felt real. At one point, the characters vanished in a swirl of flames, leaving us both gasping in awe. My son tugged my hand and whispered, "Did they really disappear?"—completely enchanted by the seamless special effects. He watched every duel and transformation with such intensity that I knew the magic of the theater had captured his heart.

The cast’s performances were emotionally resonant and compelling. They brought these well-loved characters to life while introducing new complexities to their stories. Watching the tension, love, and resilience unfold on stage was mesmerizing. The dynamic between Harry and Albus was especially poignant, reflecting the struggles of understanding and acceptance between parents and children.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child wasn’t just a play—it was an unforgettable experience that transported us into a world of adventure, love, and redemption. Seeing it through my son’s eyes made it even more magical. He left the theater still buzzing with excitement, talking about spells, time travel, and the power of friendship. We both felt like we had stepped into the story, living the magic side by side. It left us inspired, spellbound, and eager to return for another magical evening. If you ever have the chance to see this production, do it—you’ll be wondering “How did they do that?” long after the final bow.