Explore the Origins of the Upside Down With These Exclusive Backstage Photos at Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway

Stranger Things: The First Shadow, the stage play prequel set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, first opened at Broadway's Marquis Theatre in April. Now, with season five of the Netflix series wrapping up the mystery with an epic finale dropping December 31, there's more interest than ever in the origin story of Henry Creel.

While not quite the Upside Down, Broadway.com ventured backstage at the Marquis before curtain to see how lead Louis McCartney and the full Stranger Things Broadway cast get into character ahead of each show. Even 270 performances in, there's never a dull moment for this company behind the scenes. From surprise birthday decorations to fan art displays galore, take a peek inside the cast members' dressing rooms and the wig, hair and makeup station where many gather starting at half-hour to get glam and catch up on the latest gossip.

See the highlights below and check out the full gallery for an exclusive look backstage, plus insight into pre-show routines, playlists and traditions established over the show's nearly nine-month run.

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