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Stranger Things: The First Shadow


See how it all began at the most Tony Award®-winning play of the year.

Broadway just got turned Upside Down. Critics hail Stranger Things: The First Shadow as "a jaw-dropping, must-see theatrical marvel" (Entertainment Weekly) that makes you ask "how the hell did they do this?" (The New York Times) over and over again. From Netflix and multi-award-winning Broadway producer Sonia Friedman Productions, and directed by three-time Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry alongside Justin Martin, this pulse-racing new adventure will take you on a "non-stop thrill ride!" (Deadline)

Are monsters born... or made?

In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start—especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past. Everything changes when he meets Patty, a fellow outsider, and their budding romance gives Henry hope for the first time. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes the town, Henry is forced to confront a terrifying truth: is something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him? This gripping stand-alone adventure will pull you deep into the world of Stranger Things —where suspense and spectacle lurk at every turn. Read More Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Venue

Marquis Theatre
210 West 46 Street
New York, NY 10036

Audience

Recommended for 12 +
Children under the age of 5 are not permitted in the theatre.

Note: The play is set within the world and mythology of Stranger Things. A good guide would be to check if you and your party are comfortable with the level of content within the TV show. Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Runtime

2 hours and 45 minutes, including intermission

First Performance

3/28/2025


More About Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Long before the world was shaken by interdimensional creatures and clandestine government experiments, the sleepy town of Hawkins, Indiana, was simply trying to establish itself. Set in 1959, Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes audiences back to a period well before Eleven and her friends confronted the Upside Down. Written by Kate Trefry from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry, this prequel introduces us to a young Henry Creel as he seeks normalcy following a troubled past. As Henry attempts a new start, finding camaraderie and even a role in the school play, mysterious crimes unsettle Hawkins, forcing him to confront the unsettling possibility of his own connection to the looming darkness.


Starring a vibrant cast, including Louis McCartney returning to the show from the West End, this production delivers suspense, friendship, and self-discovery. The show captures the heart-pounding excitement that fans of the series cherish. As a standalone adventure that expands the world of the popular Netflix series, it welcomes both avid fans and newcomers with its rich storytelling and stunning effects (which won a 2025 Special Tony Award). Whether you’re stepping into Hawkins for the first time or you're a dedicated fan, this acclaimed production whisks you away on an otherworldly adventure, diving deep into the mysterious origins of Stranger Things. Gear up for a mind-blowing thrill ride that pushes the limits between good and evil—a mesmerizing tale that'll leave you questioning reality and on the edge of your seat!