Why You Should See Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
June 9, 2026
The Academy of Music Becomes the Academy of MAGIC in Summer 2027
Calling all Harry Potter fans, whether you’re a Muggle (non-magical being) or a wizard!
As the age-old saying goes, good things come in threes, and this is ESPECIALLY true for Harry Potter enthusiasts living in the Philadelphia area.
This fall, The Philadelphia Orchestra will perform Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban™ in Concert. On December 25, HBO's Harry Potter television series will have its worldwide premiere. And then, as a part of our 2026-27 Broadway season, the North American tour of the Tony Award-winning Harry Potter and the Cursed Child will have its Philadelphia debut at the Academy of Music July 28–August 8, 2027.
Regardless of if you’re a lifelong lover of the original Harry Potter series or simply looking for a great theater experience, Cursed Child will have you spellbound.
What is Cursed Child About?
Set 19 years after the events of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Cursed Child introduces audiences to an adult Harry, where he now navigates life as a Ministry of Magic employee, husband, and father of three. The story follows the antics of Albus, one of Harry’s sons, as he finds himself entangled in a time-traveling adventure that could alter not only his fate, but the future of the entire wizarding world.
How Does the Stage Production Differ from the Books?
In the original Harry Potter series, readers experience Harry’s coming-of-age journey, where any mistakes he makes can be attributed to his youth or his circumstances. In the play, however, the audience is confronted with a more complicated reality: their beloved hero, though well-intentioned, is also deeply flawed.
Both the books and the play explore universal themes—particularly self-acceptance and the importance of friendship. The play, however, places greater emphasis on the complexities of parent-child relationships: Harry tries to connect with his teenage son, Albus, who in turn struggles with living in the shadow of his very famous father.
Who Should See Cursed Child?
The short answer is anyone and everyone! Those who loved reading the books, those who have only seen the movies, and even Harry Potter first-timers can all enjoy this production.*
Though it might seem at first glance that being a Harry Potter aficionado is a prerequisite for seeing Cursed Child, that isn’t the case. The universal themes and amazing stagecraft (more on that later) make the production entertaining and accessible to everyone. Plus, there is a brand-new character introduced that everyone will be meeting for the first time, Delphini “Delphi” Diggory, a charismatic but mysterious, blue-haired young woman.
*Recommended for ages eight and older.
Why Cursed Child is Worth Seeing
The Practical Effects
One of the biggest reasons audiences rave about Cursed Child is its groundbreaking stagecraft. This isn’t just theater—it’s theatrical magic at its finest.
From intense spellcasting sequences to exhilarating time-travel moments, the production uses practical effects, choreography, and illusions to create extraordinary scenes. Unlike the film adaptations, everything unfolds live, right before your eyes—and several big moments will have you wondering, “How did they DO that?”
Your Favorite Characters, Grown Up
Another reason Cursed Child is so beloved is because the story returns to iconic characters from the original series like Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Ginny Weasley, and Harry Potter. The difference now is that these characters have all grown up and are navigating the challenges of parenthood. This continuation of their stories adds a new element to the characters while still giving audiences those warm feelings of nostalgia.
When is Cursed Child Coming to the Academy of Music?
You’re not going to want to miss Cursed Child when it arrives at the Academy of Music July 28-August 8, 2027. Whether you’re Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, or Ravenclaw—we hope to see you there!
Run time is 2 hours and 55 minutes with intermission.
Tickets are available via a subscription package which can be purchased here.