"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
Stranger Things-I Never Thought I Would Enjoy This Play
"I was not a Stranger Things fan. I had never seen an episode or watched a trailer. My kids loved the show. Since we were going to be close to Times Square this weekend I thought seeing the play would be a great experience for them. This play is a complete theatrical experience and I was totally blown away! Come see this play! IMMEDIATELY!!!"
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Tonya J from Hampton on Jan 17, 2026
Brilliant cast, show and spectacular effects
"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
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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.
