Fans of Netflix’s Stranger Things can now experience the supernatural drama live on stage with Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a Broadway prequel set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana.
The play explores the origins of the Upside Down and introduces younger versions of familiar characters from the TV series, offering fresh insights for longtime viewers while remaining accessible to newcomers.
The story centers on Henry Creel, a reserved young boy with psychokinetic powers who later becomes the series’ primary antagonist, Vecna. His transformation and the mysterious deaths in Hawkins are the play’s focal points. Louis McCartney plays Henry, earning a 2025 Tony nomination for his role.
Returning characters include a young Joyce Maldonado (later Joyce Byers), Bob Newby, and Jim Hopper Jr., each navigating high school drama and eerie supernatural events. The cast also features the teenage versions of Karen and Ted Wheeler, Claudia Yount and Walter Henderson, and Sue Anderson and Charles Sinclair — the future parents of key characters in the TV show.
Broadway newcomer Patty Newby, not seen in the TV series, plays a significant role in Henry’s early life, forming a deep connection with him as his powers emerge.
Dr. Martin Brenner appears as a younger version of the controversial scientist, exploring his early experiments with Henry. The show also features live-action stage interpretations of fan-favorite monsters, including the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer, offering audiences theatrical jump scares and impressive stage effects.
Directed with cinematic flair and packed with Easter eggs, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a must-see for fans awaiting season 5 of the Netflix series.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ