"Cast were fantastic, story was brilliant and the special effects were awesome. Absolutely loved it and tremendous story."
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Paul K from Blyth on Jan 15, 2026
Great night out
"Was my favorite play that I’ve seen so far, the actors/actress’s are incredible, love that they went back in time to tell stories fans actually care about/want to see."
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Vincent S from Queens on Jan 14, 2026
Great experience!
"The actors are amazing, great experience. There are many jump scares, flashing lights, and loud sounds."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 14, 2026
Hawkins come to life on stage!
"If you love Stranger Things, you’ll love this play. And if you haven’t seen the series, this show might send you straight to Netflix. The special effects are surprisingly cinematic, and seeing familiar characters as teenagers is a fun, fresh twist. It’s suspenseful, visually impressive, and totally engaging—even if you’re new to the story."
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Elizabeth B from Los Angeles on Jan 14, 2026
A life-action Stranger Things episode
"The play was really fascinating regarding the special effects. The crew did an amazing job, especially the main adrię playing Henry Creel. However for me the play had quite a lot of jump scares and could easily fall into the thriller/horror category so i would not recommend it for younger viewers (IF they have seen the show and were not scared then it’s will be ok for them but without i would not recommend)."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 14, 2026
Absolutely Amazing
"The special effects, the acting, the props, it was all perfect. As soon as I left the theater, I already looked up tickets for the next time I can see the show because it was that good. Thank you for an incredible experience!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 13, 2026
Wowed by the special affects
"Having never seen the series or been particularly interested in sci-fi, I was swept along with the well acted story. The theatrics/special effects were amazing and the cast believable. Highly recommend this play!"
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Sherry D from Robinson on Jan 13, 2026
Not your typical musical
"It was clever, unique and didn’t disappoint. It had a great set and loved the few jump scares. Nicely done prequel and acting was right on Target. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 12, 2026
Amazing
"Like going into the tv show. Fantastic effects. Would NOT recommend for children. Even if your kid watches the show, this is a much different experience. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 12, 2026
Incredible show
"An amazing production in every way giving Stranger Things fans more story while showcasing an off-screen unforgettable experience!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 11, 2026
Amazing Things!
"This experience completely exceeded my expectations! The special effects were top tier. My 14 year old daughter and I were absolutely in awe of this performance. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 10, 2026
Amazing!
"The show was amazing! If you watch the netflix series you will love this. It’s basically like what Wicked is to the Wizard of Oz. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 8, 2026
Amazing experience
"I took my daughter (14) to see the play as part of her Christmas gift this year. We are both fans of the series. We both absolutely loved it. The set, special effects, and acting were all great. I'm not sure if I'd recommend taking very small children. There were several parts that could be scary to them. Definitely worthwhile to see if you are able to. And it helped explain some missing gaps in the Netflix series storyline. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 8, 2026
An amazing experience
"The show is an amazing experience for fans or non fans of the series. The lights, music and performances are in top. Definetly I"m coming back soon."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 8, 2026
Visual and sound effects amazing
"The acting was great but I really want to highlight the sound effects and lighting making us think we were actually there. "
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Kristen D from Frisco on Jan 8, 2026
Amazing Production!!
"Honestly one of the coolest shows I've ever seen! Scary and sad with just the right amount of humor."
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Alexandra A from Pottstown on Jan 6, 2026
Loved it
"A must see for Stranger Things fans! Loved getting the backstory on Henry Creel."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Stranger Things The First Shadow was an amazing show!
"This show had it all! It was a trip back in time with some twists and turns along the way! It was absolutely amazing what they did with special effects on stage! Simply breath taking! Highly recommended for any fan of Stranger Things!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Best Play I’ve Seen
"Great prequel and truly gives you a deeper understanding of Henry and other characters backgrounds from the show. Special effects were amazing. Truly brings the void to real life. Second act connects all of the dots you were hoping for. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Memorizing and terrifying
"Loved the show. Awesome cast. Joyce and Hopper so true characters on show. So fun, confusing and terrifying. Lots of humor and amazing special effects. First broadway show and didn’t disappoint. "
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Amie H from Haverhill on Jan 5, 2026
Surpassed expectations!!
"Everything from the visual effects to the incredible acting/stunts was utterly outstanding! Stranger Things: The First Shadow faithfully executed the original elements of the TV show, and even brought it to life, in a visually captivating performance. Highly recommend for any fan of Stranger Things, or those simply interested in the hype."
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Danella S from Sanford on Jan 5, 2026
Better than the original series
"What can I say, it was an amazing play, emotional acting, stunning effects and well made story itself - great work guys. In the title I mentioned that this play is better than original Netflix series, don’t get me wrong, but this play is more emotional, deeper opens characters and the acting itself way better than in the last season of beloved ST show. Bravo! "
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Lilia S from Hilvarenbeek on Jan 5, 2026
Thrilling show that resolves TV show plot holes
"This show has a great story line, special effects and is very intense. My 13yo who loves the tv show thought it was great but it could be too intense for younger children, especially if they are not familiar with the tv show. We really love the experience and would want to see it again to try to catch all of the details. We had a great usher who helped us catch parts of the show and gave us updates at intermission about what to watch for. He also helped us have a great experience!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Wait, is this live theater?
"Stranger Things: The First Shadow was absolutely phenomenal! At times, I completely forgot I was watching a live stage performance; the production quality and special effects were so cinematic, it felt like a movie. From the captivating opening scene to the thrilling finale, it was nothing short of incredible.
This play is not just a prequel, it’s a masterful expansion of the Stranger Things universe, packed with heart-pounding seat jumping moments, clever nods to the series, and emotional depth that adds new layers to the story we love. Sharing this experience with my 14-year-old granddaughter made it even more magical. We were both completely captivated, and it’s a memory we’ll treasure forever. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things or just love incredible theater, this is an absolute must-see!"
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yvonne g from Perkasie on Jan 5, 2026
Worth every penny
"The show was amazing, the special effects were espectacular and the acting was on point. I felt I was inside of a movie… totally loved it! Done jump scares tho."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 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.
