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 $64.01
Show Overview

Critics’ Reviews (2)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.
Daily Mail

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

Daily Mail

Luke Jones

The Guardian

"Breathtaking theatre. It's irresistible."

The Guardian

Arifa Akbar

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (619)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Amazed by the acting and effects
"Highly recommend to any Stranger Things fans. The show’s actors created such deep emotions- fear, empathy and laughter. The effects were amazing! I loved how interactive it was with the audience. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 29, 2026
Amazing!!
"The story line was a brilliant prequel to the series. The entire cast was amazing, and the special effects were above and beyond what I expected! Loved it!"
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Kirk L from Chesapeake on Jun 29, 2026
INSANE
"I loved EVERYTHING! Would recommend a 1000%! The actors were incredible, the special effects WOW! We were on the edge of our seats the entire time. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 24, 2026
One of the best theatre experiences I've ever had
"Absolutely flipping amazing! From start to finish I was completely gripped. The cast were fantastic, but a special mention has to go to the actor who played Henry – what an incredible performance. He managed to make the character both frightening and heartbreaking at the same time. The special effects were honestly out of this world. I still have no idea how they pulled off some of the things I saw on that stage! There were moments where the whole audience seemed to gasp in disbelief. The story kept me hooked all the way through and felt like watching a live episode of Stranger Things, only bigger and more immersive. The acting, staging and technical wizardry were all on another level. Judging by the reaction around us, we weren't the only ones blown away. One of the best theatre experiences I've ever had and I'd happily see it again. Here's hoping there's a Part 2 because I would book tickets in a heartbeat! 👏👏👏"
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Karen M from Carlisle on Jun 22, 2026
So amazing 100/10 would watch
"I really loved the show it was worth saving up for it, I was already a big stranger things fan so I don't have anything to complain about the show it was amazing. The actors were really amazing and sweet after the show that I got my playbill and plushie signed. 10/10 would watch again and recommend to people who wants to watch it."
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Angelica H from Minerva on Jun 22, 2026
A must see for any fan and anyone who loves scary adventures
"The special effects and sound were spectacular. My grandson and I are big fans and loved this story of Henry. The end was amazing. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 22, 2026
Amazing!
"The show was absolutely fantastic. It kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. It almost felt like being at home on the couch, watching an episode of the TV series. I highly recommend it to everyone, even if you're not a *Stranger Things* fan. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 20, 2026
Great show with talented performers!
"Excellent show, very entertaining."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 19, 2026
Best Broadway show I've seen!
"I was skeptical going in didnt think it was going to be fun or that entertaining... But man was I so damn wrong. The show was great it had all the elements to keep you glued to your seat and wanting more! The cast was amazing, crowd interaction was cool the props, visual and sound effects were on point! EVERYONE NEEDS TO COME WATCH IT!!!!"
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Jacob R from Goodyear on Jun 18, 2026
Amazing Experience
"The special effects, storyline, and acting were amazing … and I wasn’t even a prior Stranger Things fan. We attended for our teenagers! "
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Gary J from HENDERSONVLLE on Jun 17, 2026
I love it
"I really loved this show! The acting was incredible, and the special effects were amazing. I'm not sure it's the best fit for very young kids, though, since some scenes were pretty loud. I also really liked how they interacted with the audience."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 15, 2026
Amazing!
"This play was amazing in so many ways. I saw Stranger Things this weekend with my 14 yr old niece. We both watched the series on Netflix. First of all, Victor De Paula Rocha was just incredible at playing the part of Henry. His acting really drew you into the character sometimes feeling compassion and other times downright fearful. The story with the stage effects in addition to the acting of all the cast was so engaging. At the end of the show, the entire audience was on their feet for an overwhelming standing ovation. Hoping to see the Duffer Brothers create a new series with the younger group on the show! Would see this play again!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 15, 2026
Best special effects
"Amazing special effects in this show. Recommend only for children 10 and up who are familiar and comfortable with scary content and startles. You lose a bit of the effects if you are sitting under the mezzanine (but not too much). "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 14, 2026
Theater for those who don't even like theater
"This show was captivating! I'm not usually a fan of theater, and even my best experiences with theater would find me still noticing the actors on stage acting and watching to find the tricks and illusions while quietly wishing the audio was done differently or thinking of ways they could have improved the production. From start to finish I was emotionally held by the characters, not noticing the human actors behind them. I was memorized by the effects in the production, and I was completely lost in the audio. I look forward to returning at some point to see this same show again!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 14, 2026
Great!
"Great show! Tech was amazing! The show was on point. In line with the story and explains past history of the show. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 14, 2026
Nothing Short of SPECTACULAR
"Choreography, acting, the sets were all just amazing. The show went from incredible to amazing to stupendous. Thank you for this first experience of Broadway."
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patricia p from silver spring on Jun 12, 2026
Amazing show!
"It really explained how it all started and the show ends where the Netflix series begins. I don’t know how you all did some of the special effects in a live show it absolutely blew my mind! You don’t have to see the Netflix series to appreciate the show however for a fan like myself it made everything complete. Thank you to all the cast and people behind the scenes that I’m not aware of it was an incredible experience!"
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Gary M from Russellville on Jun 12, 2026
Loved it!
"Loved every minute of this show. We loved the television series and made it a point to come to NY to see Stranger Things. The cast is amazingly talented and really did a spectacular job from beginning to end. "
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Sarah J from LAS VEGAS on Jun 10, 2026
Special Effects were AMAZING!
"If you ever watched Stranger Things and enjoyed the sci-fi world, you’ll love this show. This show was filled with so many special effects from people flying, to objects coming out of the ceiling to the entire production showcase. The main character was phenomenal. We had 4th row seats and they were spectacular. However, I would not recommend this show to children under the age of 10 due to the loud noises, bloody parts, darkness, and scary scenes. But overall this show checked all the boxes. "
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Lisa T from Wallingford on Jun 9, 2026
Amazing show start to finish.
"I brought my two daughters ages 14 & 6. I was worried that the show’s length of time would be too long for my 6 year old but to my surprise she stayed engaged and even said that the show was her favorite part of our New York trip!"
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Stephen P from Humble on Jun 8, 2026
Incredible
"The show is stunning, the effects are amazing and the acting is superb! A perfect show!!!"
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Cynthia L from Grosse Pointe Woods on Jun 8, 2026
It was an incredible experience! Must Go!
"I had my 12yr old with me and she loved the show! All the actors/actresses were so great and the actor who player Henry was top notch! You must watch Stranger Things before this season Broadway show but otherwise the show was💋."
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ulker n from Boca raton on Jun 7, 2026
Amazing!
"I had intended to fully enjoy this show— and was blown away by how it was so much more than I could have imagined. The story is fun, fully of Easter eggs while still being fresh. The sound, visuals and music were so technically perfect and made it feel like an immersive experience. I would highly recommend this for viewers 10 and up— it was pretty scary at times which I fully appreciated but may not be suitable for younger humans."
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Abby H from Kearny on Jun 7, 2026
Gooo see it.
"Amazing set, and spectacular acting. Oh can't forget glimpses of humor. Brava everyone involved."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jun 7, 2026
Go see this show!!
"I thought the show was exceptional! There were so many amazing details and the special effects and actors were great.In my opinion I don’t think this show would be great for children because of the graphic nature of some scenes. I enjoyed the show very, very much!!!"
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Jay M from Sioux Falls on Jun 1, 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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