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 (523)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Unforgettable and Absolutely Amazing
"Absolutely amazing! It’s a must-see. Incredible visuals, mind-blowing effects, and top-tier acting. The stage design and overall experience are easily a 10/10. Highly recommend it to everyone — unforgettable!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 10, 2026
Impressed with the show but not the theater
"Absolutely LOVED the show! Acting, effects, all of it; however, we couldn't see some of the larger special effects due to the balcony obstructing our view. This obstruction was not shown when I previewed the view from our seats when buying the tickets online. Pretty disappointing considering the amount you pay for tickets after tickets and fees. Aside from that the show was great."
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Jamie R from Vincennes on Feb 7, 2026
Stranger things
"I went in expecting a musical but got a play. So with that being said it was a great show. I loved how they used the rotating stage. I like the early telling of the story of the parents and how we got to where we're at now. Great show "
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James P from Myrtle Beach on Feb 7, 2026
AMAZING
"I want to see this again and again! I was scared a few times that’s how you know it’s good!! Wonderful casting as well. Congratulations on this beautiful production!"
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Chloe L from Columbia on Feb 7, 2026
Better than season 5
"It was the most amazing show ever. Every single thing about the show was intentional. It’s a must see show- you will not be disappointed!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 6, 2026
One word „ phenomenal”.
"The performance was excellent. The acting was fantastic. The special effects were just like in the movie. I highly recommend it."
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Janusz B from Opole on Feb 5, 2026
My eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing!
"The most impressive play I have ever seen. I honestly questioned how they were able to accomplish everything they did on stage. Every single cast member was phenomenal, and I can’t even choose a favorite moment; it was all incredible. I will definitely need to watch it again just to comprehend everything fully. My husband and I flew from Chicago to NYC for just 12 hours solely to see this play, and I would do it 100 times over without hesitation. Even if you’re not familiar with the timeline of the Netflix show, you can still fully enjoy the magnitude of this production. One Million Star Rating! "
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Graciela M from Elgin on Feb 3, 2026
Great production and good time
"Wonderful acting and lots of laughs, such great transitions between sets and scenes and it wonderfully captured the eeriness of the more dramatic scenes. Loved it"
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 1, 2026
If you’re a Stranger Things fan….
"It was a great story, for fans especially. If you’re craving more things Stranger Things, this feeds that need. The actor for Henry was amazing and the rest of the cast too. The special effects and sets were creative and well done. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 30, 2026
Amazing show
"The acting was amazing and I really enjoyed the visual effects and the sound effects. "
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Christina C from Montreal on Jan 30, 2026
Excellent
"La mejor experiencia en teatro que tuve en mi vida, el show fue increíble, los actores, escenarios, sonido, iluminación. Quedé impactado. 10/10"
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Mario M from Sunny isles on Jan 26, 2026
Phenomenal stage effects
"I’ve seen my fair share of broadway productions but this was a different experience. The cinematic-level stage effects were phenomenal."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 25, 2026
Best show I’ve EVER seen!
"The story line was great. The acting was superb and the special effects were out of this world! I loved it so much that I actually saw it twice in 6 days! Words cannot even begin to describe how excellent this show was! If you’re a Stranger Things fan, you just have to go see it for yourself! I could watch it 2 more times (perhaps more)! I’ll leave it at that!!!"
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Reinaldo R from Garnerville on Jan 25, 2026
Fantastic Show Must See
"The set, performances, sound, all of it was well rehearsed and presented. Even our usher, Keith, was amazing. We’re big Stranger Things fans and this was a great way to dig deeper into the show. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 25, 2026
Real life Movie
"This play is one of the best plays out there. It makes you feel like you are really in a movie. Everything was perfect"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 25, 2026
Mindblowing
"I am a huge fan of Stranger Things I was very afraid I would be disappointed. I was BLOWN AWAY! The cast, the story, the tech! Everyone should see it! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 24, 2026
A live TV show
"This play was awesome!! It was like watching a live episode of the TV show. The effects were great. Making plans to see it again."
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Grant F from Syracuse on Jan 23, 2026
Exceeded every expectation
"I left the theatre absolutely delighted. This prequel to the Netflix series captured me from the very first moment. The acting was outstanding — the cast mirrored the speech patterns, energy, and personalities of their on‑screen counterparts with remarkable precision. What truly blew me away were the special effects and staging. They don’t just recreate the Stranger Things atmosphere — they are so inventive and immersive that it’s hard to believe they’re happening live on a stage. I also loved the way the production explores Henry Creel’s story. It adds depth and clarity to his past, offering new insight that fans will immediately appreciate. The play works beautifully even for those unfamiliar with the series — the story stands on its own and is easy to follow — but it’s undeniably an even richer treat for longtime fans."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 23, 2026
Amazing
"The graphics, the lighting, the acting. All so great, I honestly want to go back again and see it to see things I might have missed. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 23, 2026
Outstanding, 11 out of 10!
"Absolutely must see for any stranger things fan. The acting was phenomenal, special effects were incredible, story explained the why behind how Henry Creel became who he was. Shared the backstory on so many characters and ended right where stranger things picked up. "
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Karen S from Hendersonville on Jan 22, 2026
Great acting, set design, and overall experience
"This might've been my favorite broadway show yet and I've seen many. The storyline, acting, and set design were incredible. I was engaged throughout and couldn't wait to see what happened next (which was often not predictable). Really great pre-cursor to the Stranger Things series."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 21, 2026
Creative!
"Really creatively done. Acting was spot on of-course. Great for fans of the show. Seating was phenomenal. You can get a great view from almost anywhere. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 21, 2026
Amazing
"It's the best show I could have seen during my visit to New York. It's amazing; you forget you're in New York because you're transported to Hawkins. It blew my mind; it's incredible"
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Giovana M from Cdmx on Jan 21, 2026
Blown away....
"The storyline and connection with the series is perfect, with the exception of a couple of loopholes. But can be overlooked. The production, lighting effect and props were amazing, as well as the characters and acting. Superb, phenomenal and amazing doesn't give it justice enough. Definitely revisit ST Season 1 over again before seeing the show. A must see!!!!"
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Tony C from Perth Amboy on Jan 19, 2026
Excellent Play - Accurate Marketing
"I loved this play! I was in town for a shorter week and was thrilled to find out it was still running. It's a beautiful theatre, with lots of cool merch and signs to take photos of/with. Staff is very friendly. I hadn't been to a Broadway show before, the playbill was lovely. The show is so impressive. It's fast, interesting, surprising. Excellent cast, very impressive sets, some scores from the show intertwined in it as well. I would recommend it to everyone, except kids as there are lots of loud sounds, some blood and gunshots, it definitely made me jump at one point. I found a great priced seat on Broadway.com, had a great view as well."
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Melanie D from Toronto on Jan 17, 2026
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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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