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 (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 (545)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
Showing all reviews
order
Blown away
"Visual effects were amazing, good acting, good story, everything was just spectacular "
...
Read more
Greet V from Wijnegem on Mar 11, 2026
Amazing show
"The play was amazing. I love how it tied into the show. My daughter is 12 and she absolutely loved it. She hasn’t stopped talking about it since we left. What was pulled off on that stage was nothing short of amazing. I would see this show over and over again. "
...
Read more
Malissa L from Longwood on Mar 8, 2026
Mind Blowing
"This was my first Broadway experience, and I could not have been more impressed by the performance of the actors, the special effects, and just the overall experience. I have never watched the Netflix series, but I am literally obsessed with the play! I would recommend the show for anyone ages 10+. Some scary parts. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Mar 6, 2026
My daughter loved the show!
"I loved everything, very good sound, effects! Very organized as well."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Mar 6, 2026
Amazing!!!
"Widely entertaining and exciting! Great way to continue on the legacy of the show! My 11 year old loved it as well. There is some mild language but that’s it. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Mar 3, 2026
A real treat for Stanger Things fans
"Very well made show with great acting and lots of Broadway magic tricks. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Mar 3, 2026
Tears in my eyes it was so good!
"This show goes to 11! (Pun intended). It’s a must see for any Stranger Things fan. "
...
Read more
Betsy S from Austin on Mar 2, 2026
Absolutely amazing!
"The show was so stunning! The story line, the atmosphere and the sound effects are incredible! Must see in NYC!"
...
Read more
Yvonne K from Gelsenkirchen on Mar 2, 2026
A Mind-Blowing Prequel with Cinematic Power
"I went in as a fan of Stranger Things, but even if you’ve never seen the series, this stands entirely on its own. The production value is on another level, the lighting, sound design, stagecraft, and effects feel cinematic while still honoring the magic of live theater. There were multiple moments where the entire audience audibly reacted because the illusions and transitions were that impressive. The cast delivers incredibly grounded performances, which makes the supernatural elements feel even more intense. You genuinely care about these characters, especially as you begin to see the emotional foundations of the world we know from the series. What stood out most to me was how ambitious the staging is. It’s not just a play, it’s an experience. The technical precision combined with strong storytelling makes it feel immersive and elevated. I would say it may be intense for younger children due to darker themes and some scary moments, so I’d use discretion depending on age. Overall, it’s one of the most impressive theatrical productions I’ve seen. Bold, inventive, and unforgettable."
...
Read more
Gabriela I from Miami on Mar 2, 2026
Absolutely incredible!
"This show is absolutely incredible! Highly recommend! However I would advise watching season 4 of the show prior. I took my 9 year old son too who loves the show and he loved it! Sit in the isle if you have kids/teens if you can for a great view of the action. "
...
Read more
Cynthia C from Raleigh on Feb 28, 2026
스띵을 봤다면 꼭 봐야하는 연극
"내가 좋아하는 드라마가 내 눈앞에서 펼쳐진다 라는게 얼마나 꿈같은 일인지 드덕들은 다 알고있을거라 생각합니다. 진짜 예상보다 더 좋았고 배우들의 연기, 무대효과, 스토리 등 모든것이 완벽한 연극이었습니다. 다만, 한가지 조언하자면 이 연극은 꼭 뉴욕여행 초반에 보기를 바랍니다. 저는 마지막 날에 봤는데 한번 더 보고싶어서 눈물났답니다ㅠ"
...
Read more
Seung Won L from Seoul on Feb 27, 2026
Fabulous show!
"The performances were great. The show kept to the storyline that we all know from the Netflix Stranger Things program. Great prequel. Special effects were awesome. Highly recommend to Stranger Things fans."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Feb 24, 2026
BEST SHOW ON BROADWAY!
"I was a superfan of the show, but the Broadway performance of Stranger Things exceeded my expectations and blew me away. It filled in the gaps that were missing in the show and put the missing pieces of the puzzle together. I can't recommend this play enough. It is the best Broadway play I have ever seen!"
...
Read more
Teri F from GENEVA on Feb 23, 2026
Astounding!
"To put it simply this was the most incredible show I’ve ever been to on Broadway! I love that we get background on all of the parents from the Stranger Things series as well as in-depth character development of Henry Creel and Dr Brenner. Not to mention, the effects were off the chain! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Feb 21, 2026
I was not expecting it to be this good
"I enjoyed everything about the play. The scenes were great, the sounds were great, the actors were incredible, yhe story was really good and helpful to the rest of the show, and best of all, the props were beyond imaginable! I was completely blown away by a few of the props that I definitely didn't expect to see. I was extremely satisfied with the overall performance and stunts throughout. The ending to the first half and the ending to the second half were both amazingly written like a mic-drop line. The only thing I wasn't satisfied with was where I chose to sit. If I go again, which I probably will, I will definitely pick to sit nearer to the middle as where I was seated, on the side, misses a few feet of the stage. Overall, I had no complaints about the performance and am already recommending it to others."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Feb 20, 2026
Amazing exoerience
"Acting and special effects were outwordly. For a 4-D experience sitting in front rows worth every penny."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Feb 20, 2026
Let’s be honest
"The show was engaging and kept the wonders of how the heck did they do that throughout the performance. Acting was fantastic, special effects were amazing. Great show with a couple of really big moments that would be worth the time alone. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Feb 18, 2026
Awesome show
"The special effects were amazing. My granddaughter has followed every season and watching her excitement was priceless. The play moves quickly with something always happening all over the stage and audience included. Recommend to see. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Feb 17, 2026
Must see for Stranger Things fans
"Superbly-acted, action-packed, mind-blowing effects and leads to "I want more!""
...
Read more
William Y from Chandler on Feb 17, 2026
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!"
...
Read more
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."
...
Read more
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 "
...
Read more
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!"
...
Read more
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!!"
...
Read more
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."
...
Read more
Janusz B from Opole on Feb 5, 2026
Viewing 1-25 of 545
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