'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' Casts a Spell on Segerstrom Center - Review
'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' at Segerstrom Center for the Arts masters theatrical artistry, technical innovation, and pure stage magic.
For a handful of years I have sat in darkened theatres thinking I’d seen just about every trick the stage had to offer. Then “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” arrived at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts and detonated that assumption, reminding everyone why they are about to celebrate their 40th anniversary as the premiere theatre in Orange County. This is a breathtaking feat of artistic vision and technical precision.
Written by Jack Thorne, from an original story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, and John Tiffany, “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” masterful in its theatrical storytelling. This production rivals anything put on the silver screen. The visual effect tied in with a live performance is astonishing.
Thate wonder begins with John Tiffany’s perfect direction. He balances intimate family drama with astonishing theatrical scale, guiding an immensely complex production with a remarkable vision.
The visual world created by Christine Jones is extraordinary, shifting effortlessly between locations. Steven Hoggett’s movement direction gives the production its soul, transforming transitions into storytelling. Katrina Lindsay’s costumes beautifully expand the Wizarding World while giving each main character a distinct identity. Neil Austin’s lighting does far more than illuminate the stage it shapes mood, reveals magic and is the backbone of this show.
The evening’s most outstanding achievement belongs to Illusions and Magic Specialist Jamie Harrison. The illusions are executed flawlessly, inspiring audible gasps throughout the audience. They never feel like tricks but rather genuine acts of magic.
Completing the production’s breathtaking visual language are Finn Ross and Ash J. Woodward, whose video design seamlessly integrates with the scenery, lighting, movement and illusions to create a world without limitations.
With a company of well over fifty performers, the ensemble is absolutely remarkable. Every performer contributes to a production that is impeccably disciplined and endlessly energetic.
The principal cast is exceptional throughout. The performers portraying Adam Grant Morrison as Albus Potter, Nick Dillenburg as Harry Potter, Abbi Hawk (which would be a great professional wrestler name) as Ginny Potter, Rachel Leslie as Hermione Granger-Weasley, Matt Harrington Ron Weasley and Ryan Hallahan as Draco Malfoy capture the beloved characters personas from the books while making each role distinctly their own. Along with Julia Nightingale as Delphi Diggory, birthing another new character to the franchise.
My standout performer of the evening was Mackenzie Lesser-Roy as Moaning Myrtle. She is an absolute scene-stealer, combining fearless physical comedy, impeccable timing and boundless energy into one unforgettable performance. Every entrance elevated the production.
Though his Scorpius Malfoy is often annoying shrill, Dave Fine’s performance shows the vulnerability, emotional growth and even comic charm, making you like a Malfoy, creating the production’s emotional anchors. While I occasionally found some of his shriller vocal choices distracting, there is no denying his exceptional talent or the heartfelt sincerity of his performance.
What makes “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” extraordinary is that every artistic discipline operates at the highest level. Direction, design, choreography, lighting, costumes, projections, illusions, performances, stage management and technical execution create a cohesive unit that has been unmatched on the stage, yet.
This is beyond great theatre. It is the finest demonstration of theatrical craftsmanship I have ever witnessed. There there are a couple of plot holes and the second act drags on a bit, the Segerstrom Center for the Arts has brought Orange County an exhilarated and genuinely awestruck production.
For a few unforgettable hours, the impossible became reality. Magic wasn’t an illusion, it was happening live, right in front of us.
“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts runs from now through July 25, 2026.
To purchase tickets for “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts visit: https://www.scfta.org/events/2026/harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child or call the box office at: +1-714-556-2787.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts is located at:
600 Town Center Dr.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
4.75 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐¾