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.

4.7
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 (385)

4.7
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
Showing 4 star reviews. View all reviews
order
Great addition to the Stranger Things Franchise
"The production level is top notch. Definitely see it if you are a Stranger Things fan. I recommend it also to those who are not a ST fan. This is theatre at its best. "
...
Read more
Michael M from Henderson on Nov 9, 2025
First broadway show
"This was our first broadway show and it did not disappoint! This show take up the whole stage so if your sitting under the balcony you are unable to see the entire show as far at vertical scenes which was disappointing. An obstructed view notice in those seats would have been nice."
...
Read more
Sheryl K from Fishers on Oct 18, 2025
Jaw Dropping FX
"From a technical standpoint, this was literally the greatest stage production I have ever seen. Surprisingly, the script and acting were also top rate. This is a show that can never be replicated with a traveling company. See it in this theater. I want to go back and see what I missed the first time."
...
Read more
Sean M from Cary on Sep 28, 2025
So immersive and well acted !
"Very convincing actors in a strong immersive show. Powerful sound and amazing special effects. Not easy to resume 4 seasons of a TV show on stage. They did it very well. 👏👏"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 27, 2025
Special effects are really something!
"Very entertaining show with superb acting and amazing special effects. Definitely easier to follow if you're familiar with the Netflix hit but not completely necessary. Nice theater. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Sep 20, 2025
Beyond exciting.
"I didn’t know what to expect when looking to attend this stage production. Was beyond excited that it was such an EVENT. Highly recommend."
...
Read more
Jason P from Muncie on Sep 19, 2025
Great special effects with a scary plot
"I really liked the show, but it was 30 minutes too long…"
...
Read more
Douglas B from Winter Garden on Sep 18, 2025
Insightful
"Amazing prequel to the Netflix series! Also extremely insightful going into S5 and understanding the shows past/origins! Highly recommend going to watch it!"
...
Read more
Aaron S from chestnut hill on Sep 9, 2025
Great show highly recommend
"This was an amazing Broadway show. I liked every detail of the show. It was entertaining the first and the second act kept my interest. I highly recommend an encourage that you see the show if you have the opportunity."
...
Read more
Tiffany H from Charlotte on Sep 7, 2025
Well done, language a little strong for younger children
"Thoroughly enjoyed the show, the special effects were excellent and the story was on target, although fast paced and a bit hard to follow at times. My kids told me that seeing Season 4 would have helped me appreciate certain characters more."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 25, 2025
Action packed
"Amazing special effects, staging and lighting had you captivated from the beginning. The storyline was convincing as a prequel and my eyes could not take in all the action that was happening. Audience members were on the edge of their seats engrossed in the story and often responded vocally to what was occurring on stage. Those sensitive to loud noise and flashing lights should not attend. Highly recommended. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 24, 2025
Amazed by the sets
"The show was excellent for any true Stranger Things loving fan but even a newby will have an appreciation for the story and no matter a persons connection to the show, the visual effects on stage are stunning and keeps your eyes completely engaged with the ideas of what they will see next. This all happens while you're only using half your seat because of enthralling anticipation for what could possibly be next"
...
Read more
Bill L from Brookhaven on Aug 18, 2025
Best Show Ever!
"I have seen a ton of Broadway shows in my 53 years, and I have never seen one as all around phenomenal as this one. Janie Brookshire as the mom, Alison Jaye as Joyce, and Louis McCartney as Henry were spectacular; the whole ensemble blew me away! I highly recommend this play!"
...
Read more
Jenny R from LAGUNA BEACH on Aug 17, 2025
LOUIS McCARTNEY IS BEYOND AMAZING
"All of the actors were great but Louis McCartney crushed it. To have that same energy show after show is incredible. The only thing I would nit pick is the smoke because We were in the front row but I definitely understand the theatrics for it. If you can get front row mezzanine go for it because those will be the best seats. Other than that, this show should be on Broadway for a long time. I hope they make more parts. The people who control all the props and lights all deserve recognition because that can't be an easy job, so thank you to all who are behind the scenes. Definitely go see this play, especially if you are a fan of stranger things. "
...
Read more
Michael C from Hyde Park on Aug 10, 2025
Amazing Show
"The show was amazing. Never seen anything like it. I laughed, I cried, got scared. It was such an emotional show. The tech was amazing. Highly recommend. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Aug 4, 2025
On the edge of my seat
"The acting was top notch and the special effects were unreal, amazing! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 25, 2025
Amazing!
"Special effects were amazing. Really good show. Great time was had by all. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 25, 2025
amazing!
"The actors are impressive, the play is out of the ordinary, the special effects are incredible, highly recommended even for those who haven't seen the series to start watching it. It's excellent for ages 13 and up, they enjoy it a lot. I will go back again before I leave. You can easily see it twice. I don't understand why it isn't so promoted since it is a must-see on Broadway."
...
Read more
Graciela C from Miami on Jul 21, 2025
Amazing!!
"The opening scene blew me away. The entire show was well acted but the special effects were things I had never scene before in any production. I’d see it again for sure. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 20, 2025
A Work of Art
"The acting, especially with such a young cast, is outstanding. The special effects, production and lighting crew should win top honors."
...
Read more
Karen B from Montclair on Jul 19, 2025
creating the upside down
"Rock solid prequel to the Stranger Things show. Special Effects were fantastic, the cast - while a little over the top at times - delivered at every turn. Makes me want another play in between this show and the Series. Great job."
...
Read more
Dave L from Dripping Springs on Jul 14, 2025
Incredible special effects for a play
"Great show. Great acting and incredible special effects. Very nice theatre. Best if you are familiar with the series."
...
Read more
Patrick B from Laconia on Jul 13, 2025
Absolutely Amazing
"This was absolutely amazing. More than I could have imagined. The cast was great. There are no words to describe the set or special effects. Suggestions in buying tickets. Don't sit too close to front or too far back. We were about 10 rows back, dead center, and it was perfect. At the very least, don't sit too close to front. "
...
Read more
Kathy G from Jacksonville on Jul 10, 2025
Awesome in all perspectives
"An outstanding show, breathtaking!!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 4, 2025
Those stranger things can become too familiar.
"From the great conversations with total strangers while waiting for box office to open, to the ushers and their shared excitement for you and what you are about to experience, to the show the show itself, WOW! What an experience and everyone who loves the series must watch..GET.HERE.NOW!!!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jul 2, 2025
Viewing 1-25 of 52
next

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.

Back to Top