Stranger Things: The First Shadow Brings Broadway To The Upside Down

You’ve never seen effects like this on stage!

Stranger Things: The First Shadow just opened on Broadway and it serves as a jaw-dropping prequel to the beloved Netflix series. Set in 1959, we meet teenage versions of Joyce Byers (shout out to her Maldonado roots, maybe we’re cousins?), Jim Hopper, and Bob Newby, and dive into the chilling origins of Henry Creel.

The creative team did a great job bringing a mix of horror, humor, jump scares, and even some musical moments to the stage. Because of the time period and energy, it sometimes feels like Stranger Things meets Grease. Act one was a bit weaker in its storyline, in my opinion. There are a few too many characters we’re introduced to as Joyce, Hopper, and Bob work to uncover a local mystery plot that doesn’t quite land. Act two is where they really hook you in. It ties seamlessly back into the larger Stranger Things universe, especially with everything we’ve learned about Vecna in season 4.

The stand outs of the show are Louis McCartney as young Henry, reprising his role from the West End production and recently securing a Tony nomination for the performance, and Gabrielle Nevaeh as a new character to the world — Patty Newby, Bob’s sister. Maybe if we’re lucky we’ll get to see her in season 5! But, hands down, the reason to see Stranger Things: The First Shadow is the show-stopping tricks and effects. There are characters seen in multiple places at once on stage, terrifying monsters, and floating stunts that will shock you. Even now, I can’t stop thinking about it: How on Earth did they do it?! The end of the show even makes it feel like you just watched an episode of Stranger Things and are waiting for the next one to start.

If you’re a Stranger Things fan — or just love theatrical spectacle — this is a can’t miss addition to the TV shows lore to check out. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is playing at the Marquis Theater in New York City.