Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway
After captivating London audiences since its West End premiere in 2023, the much-anticipated prequel to Netflix's hit series "Stranger Things" is making its way to Broadway. "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" will open at the Marquis Theater, offering fans a glimpse into the origins of the supernatural saga that has enthralled viewers worldwide.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway
While the Netflix series transports viewers to 1980s Indiana, "The First Shadow" takes audiences back even further-to 1959, a full 24 years before the events of the original series. The story centers on Henry Creel, introduced to viewers in Season 4, whose troubled adolescence and emerging telepathic abilities eventually lead him to become the formidable antagonist Vecna.
The play features younger versions of beloved characters from the series, including James Hopper Jr. (portrayed by Burke Swanson), Joyce Maldonado-later Joyce Byers-(played by Alison Jaye), and Bob Newby (Juan Carlos). These high school versions of familiar faces navigate typical teenage challenges against the backdrop of Hawkins' increasingly sinister mysteries.
The plot follows the Creel family as they arrive in Hawkins seeking a fresh start, only to find themselves entangled in supernatural occurrences. Meanwhile, young Jim Hopper struggles to meet expectations as the police chief's son, Joyce Maldonado dreams of escaping small-town life despite her attraction to rebels, and tech enthusiast Bob harbors unrequited feelings for Joyce.
As gruesome crimes begin to plague the town, these teenagers band together to investigate, while Henry confronts his dark powers and troubled past-and his potential connection to the sinister events unfolding around them. All of this unfolds as the boundary between Hawkins and the Upside Down begins to blur.
Discounted Tickets to Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway
With its combination of nostalgic appeal, supernatural thrills, and connections to the beloved Netflix series, "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" is poised to become one of Broadway's must-see productions this season. The show's impressive technical elements, engaging storyline, and deep ties to the larger "Stranger Things" mythology make it an unmissable experience for both devoted fans and newcomers alike. To secure your seats at what's sure to be a theatrical sensation, visit our Stranger Things: The First Shadow discounted tickets page while availability lasts. Don't miss your chance to witness the origins of Hawkins' supernatural saga live on stage!
Behind the Creative Curtain
The production boasts impressive creative credentials. Kate Trefry, a writer for the television series, penned the script based on an original story developed with Matt and Ross Duffer (the creators of "Stranger Things") and Jack Thorne (Tony Award winner for "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" and writer of Netflix's "Adolescence").Directing the production is three-time Tony winner Stephen Daldry ("The Inheritance," "Billy Elliot," "An Inspector Calls"), with Justin Martin serving as co-director. Martin has cited "The Woman in Black" as an influence on the play's effective balance of horror and comedy.
"The First Shadow" isn't just a standalone expansion of the "Stranger Things" universe-it's officially canonical to the series. Trefry wrote the play while simultaneously working on Seasons 4 and 5 of the show, designing it to serve as a bridge between these seasons. Elements from the play are slated to reappear in Season 5, though viewers who miss the theatrical production should still be able to follow the television narrative.
The Broadway production isn't simply a carbon copy of its London counterpart. While Louis McCartney reprises his role as Henry Creel from the West End production, the rest of the cast is new, bringing fresh interpretations to the characters. The Broadway version runs approximately 15 minutes shorter than the London production, coming in at two hours and 45 minutes following creative refinements.
According to co-director Martin, "You're seeing a second draft. This time around, having all the knowledge from the West End, it was about, how do we now push this idea further, or how do we achieve this illusion that didn't quite work?" The team has added new illusions and reworked scenes to take advantage of the Marquis Theater's larger space.
Whiile the show's creators maintain that the story can stand alone, familiarity with at least some of the Netflix series will significantly enhance the experience. The production incorporates the show's signature blend of horror elements with comedic relief, including plenty of jump scares to keep audiences on edge.
As fans await the fifth and final season of the Netflix series later this year, this theatrical prequel offers an opportunity to explore the origins of Hawkins' supernatural history and the early days of characters who would later shape the fate of their town-and perhaps the world.