Stranger Things: The First Shadow is now on Broadway! The live show, based on the hit Netflix series, has been playing in London on the West End since December 2023. Earlier this year, I was fortunate to see a performance while on the other side of the pond. Here’s everything you need to know about The First Shadow and a brief review from yours truly.
About Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, and rooted in the mythology and world of the Netflix global phenomenon, the stage production is now playing at NYC’s Marquis Theater, As mentioned, the show has been playing for over a year in London, winning the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment in 2024.
Here’s a bit about the storyline for the pulse-racing new adventure that promises to turn Broadway upside down.
In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start. Their teenage son Henry is eager to escape his troubled past. Initially, things go well — he finds friendship and joins the school play. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes the town, Henry is forced to confront a terrifying truth: is there something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him?
As this thrilling mystery races forward, shadows of the past are unleashed, relationships are tested, and the town of Hawkins faces the ultimate question: can the power of friendship outshine the darkness within?
The show features a slew of familiar characters including Joyce Byers, Jim Hopper and Bob Newby. These are the roles played by Winona Ryder, David Harbour and Sean Astin in the Netflix series.
Review of Stranger Things: The First Shadow
When I saw the show on the West End in January 2025, I enjoyed it. However, I did wish for a bit more excitement than it provides. The storyline is interesting, though I was left with some questions in regards to how it ties into the series. Without posting any spoilers, I feel like aspects of this story should have been mentioned on the series and it’s obvious it was not originally planned but rather written to capitalize on the popularity of the show. Because of that, there are plot holes – or rather a lack of connection. I saw someone on Reddit refer to these issues as “inconsistencies” and that makes sense. For me, there are major inconsistencies in regards to Bob Newby and his sister Patty.
The final season of Stranger Things (coming later this year) will surely have storylines that tie into the play, however, I think those will mostly have to do with Vecna. That said, I still think the connection of Bob, Joyce, Hopper and other schoolmates doesn’t quite add up. But, if you ignore that, the show works.
While you may not recognize the majority of the actors in the NYC production, one should look familiar. TR Knight, of Grey’s Anatomy fame, portrays Victor Creel.
Get ticket to see the show, now playing!
Featured photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman – provided by Netflix.