Stranger Things: The First Shadow Show Poster

Stranger Things: The First Shadow Reviews

The Olivier Award-winning prequel to the hit Netflix series arrives on Broadway.

4.8
Tickets starting at $64.83
Show Overview

critics reviews Critics’ Reviews (2)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.

"A reminder of what theatre, at its most magical, can do."

Daily Mail

Luke Jones

"Breathtaking theatre. It's irresistible."

The Guardian

Arifa Akbar

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (431)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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5/5
"Really good show, a lot of fun to watch. Great acting and effects. Sometimes really loud soundeffects. Its helpfull to have seen Stranger Things but you can enjoyed too if you havent seen it. All in all great show."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 25, 2025
FAV Broadway show I've seen!
"Even if you're not a ST viewer, you can enjoy the story! As a big fan like me, you'll love it even more. The production was insane and I'd recommend esp if you like scifi/horror cuz it's actually creepy at moments. Acting was great and my jaw dropped a few times! Def worth your time!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 24, 2025
Greatest show ever!
"This show makes the series look bad! This show brings you in and keeps you watching the entire time! This was such a great Christmas present!"
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Jacob T from Asheville on Dec 24, 2025
Super Entertaining
"Super amazing show! Helped me understand the show and Henry himself and his backstory. Great effects and kept my attention the whole time."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 24, 2025
A MUST SEE!
"We were genuinely intrigued by what this show's storyline would be. There are so many facets of Stranger Things, so we were excited to see how this show would play out. It was FANTASTIC! I don't want to give any spoilers, but if you're in NYC and a ST fan, it would be a huge disservice to yourself if you don't catch this show. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 23, 2025
Fabulous supplement to the Netflix show
"We truly loved every aspect of the show! To the technology used, to the special effects, the storyline and the actors - spectacular!"
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Heather L from Fulton on Dec 22, 2025
One of the greatest intros to a show.
"If you’re a fan of the show this will fill in a lot of what is going to happen in season 5. "
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Gary B from Thorndale on Dec 22, 2025
Absolutely lncredible
"The show was amazing. The acting was superb and the sets were very impressive. It was quite scary at times so I wouldn’t recommend it for young children or anyone who doesn’t like a good jump scare. I happened to attend on the night when Jamie Campbell Bower made a surprise cameo; we in the audience were all shocked and I am still living on Cloud 9 from that experience! Though he is unlikely to be there again, I would still recommend this show to anyone who is a Stranger Things fan. I certainly recommend watching the Netflix show before attending because it does contain spoilers."
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Andrea G from Vernon on Dec 21, 2025
Just the history that we need
"I love how the small details are incorporated into the performance that give us insight to the tv show. Highly recommend to anyone who is a true fan of the show."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 21, 2025
Must see if you are a fan of the show
"Phenomenal production value, sound, lights, acting, etc. great visuals and scenes. Creative ways to make the audience feel part of the show. "
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Brian F from Doylestown on Dec 21, 2025
Superbly Strange
"This was mind blowing! Been a fan of the series and play since it started. The special effects were spot on! It is so captivating! Highly recommend! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 21, 2025
So engaging
"I was in it to win it from the second it started. Amazing scenery and design. Fantastic casting. What a treat to be there on Jamie’s broadway debut! My kids absolutely loved it. "
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Carla M from Rochester on Dec 21, 2025
Don’t miss it!
"Absolutely captivating! Theatrics were like I’ve never seen on Broadway and the actor who played Henry deserves a nomination because he was amazing! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 20, 2025
Awesome show!
"The special effects were tremendous! The acting was amazing! My only complaint would be it was REALLY loud"
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Pam M from Guilford on Dec 19, 2025
Good choice
"Special effects, amazing. Cast and crew amazing. Plot and theme amazing. The intermission is short, so not a lot of time for roaming. Arrive early to preview the souveiners. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 19, 2025
This play is the big leagues!
"The play was amazing! The sound effects, quick changes, and acting were extra-terrestrial. I absolutely loved everything about the play and how real it felt! It felt like I was actually living the life of a Hawkins character and seeing the real backstory of all the characters. I would totally recommend this play if you’re into Stranger things and want to experience the characters backstories."
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Jessica A from Shamong on Dec 18, 2025
Amazing
"It would be easier to write what I didn't like. There, done. It was spectacular--the special effects were jaw-dropping, the acting was superb, the audience's infectious energy, the standing ovation--FOR THE PROLOGUE! You don't need to be a ST fan to enjoy it; my 83 yo mother has never watched the show and that didn't detract from her enjoyment one bit. I would go see it again tonight if I could."
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Elizabeth B from Newport on Dec 18, 2025
Outstanding Performance
"This show was a 10/10. I went with my husband who has never watched Stranger Things and he loved it as well. As expected, he was a tad confused with the storyline but I have seen the show and thought it was very well made. The effects were absolutely incredible and I literally walked away thinking how do they do that. Would 100% recommend!! Just no children, the language was very much explicit and involved lots of cursing. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 15, 2025
Special effects were insane!
"The effects were so cool, the cast was amazing. The seats were great too"
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fernando l from Coral Gables on Dec 15, 2025
Every stranger things fan needs to see!
"It was just incredible. The casting was spot on to the characters on Netflix. The Netflix show tie ins, the special effects, everything. We walked away in awe!!"
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Nora W from South Deerfield on Dec 14, 2025
Incredible what can be achieved on a stage production…
"It was amazing!! Wouldn’t personally recommend for children under 10 as it wasn’t appropriate for young children in places. "
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Lee S from Ipswich on Dec 14, 2025
Upside down world circa 1950
"If you are a fan of the show this is a no brainer. Amazing cast and special effects. Lays down the groundwork for the spinoff series coming in 2026"
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kenneth y from BROOKLYN on Dec 14, 2025
Spectacular and Terrifying!
"Special effects that confuse the mind and amazing story telling! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 13, 2025
First broadway show ever and our minds were blown
"This was our first ever broadway show and so, we didn’t know what to expect from the show. But the stranger things first shadow absolutely blew our minds. Everything from the set design to the effects to the acting was top notch. There was never a dull moment in 2h45 min run time. I highly recommend this to everybody regardless of if they’re a big stranger things fan or not."
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Antony S from Chicago on Dec 13, 2025
A-MA-ZING!
"The production, sets, special effects and sound effects, and especially the acting…just incredible! I would highly recommend this show if you like Stranger Things!!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 12, 2025
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About Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Before the world turned upside down. Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy...and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.

From Netflix and the multi-award-winning Broadway producer Sonia Friedman Productions comes Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Winner of two Olivier Awards including Best Entertainment, this landmark production is brought to life by an award-winning creative team including director Stephen Daldry (The Crown, Billy Elliot, The Inheritance, The Hours, The Reader) and co-director Justin Martin (Prima Facie, The Inheritance). With stunning special effects, extraordinary performances, and a storyline that will keep you on the edge of your seat, this gripping, stand-alone adventure will take you right back to the beginnings of the Stranger Things story.

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