"We walked in expecting something good… and walked out completely blown away.
From the very first moment, the show grips you with nonstop suspense. It’s intense in the best way. Layered with tension, unexpected twists, and that eerie, edge-of-your-seat feeling that makes you forget you’re even in a theater. Every scene builds perfectly, pulling you deeper and deeper into the story.
And then there are the special effects. They were absolutely insane. Not just “good for Broadway,” but genuinely jaw-dropping. The kind of effects that make you question how they’re even being pulled off live. It feels cinematic, immersive, and at times, downright unbelievable.
What really sets it apart, though, is how seamlessly it blends storytelling with spectacle. It’s not just flash. The emotional weight, the mystery, the performances—they all hit just as hard as the visuals.
Bottom line… this isn’t just a play, it’s an experience. If you’re even remotely a fan of Stranger Things, or just love a show that keeps your heart racing, this is one you can’t miss."
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John H from Savannah on May 3, 2026
Getting to know Henry!
"Stranger Things on Broadway?? ABSOLUTE CHAOS (the good kind).
Like—what did I just experience?? My brain is still somewhere in the Upside Down and my heart is racing. The theatrics were INSANE. Lights, sound, effects… I swear at one point I forgot I was sitting in a theater and not actively fighting a demogorgon myself.
The story?? So good. Dark, intense, emotional, and had me fully locked in the entire time. Not a single dull moment—just one “OH SH*T” after another.
And the cast?? They did not come to play—they came to POSSESS the stage. Every scene felt huge and alive and slightly unhinged in the best way possible.
10/10 recommend. Go see it. Bring snacks. Maybe emotional support. Maybe a flashlight. I don’t know. Just go."
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Kimberly W from Davenport on Apr 29, 2026
Phenomenal
"This was one of the most incredible pieces of theatrical entertainment I have ever seen. I can’t believe how good Henry Creel and Joyce Maldonado were. Especially Joyce, it was like watching Winona Rider she was so good. The special effects blew us all away. Our whole group has been to a handful of shows and this was hands down the best one we have ever been to. I’m already planning on going again. "
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Molly H from Peterborough on Apr 27, 2026
A happy Rockaway family !
"Saw it on Saturday April 25th. It was outstanding!! Very well done. Unbelievable special effects!! Would highly recommend! For kids age 13 and older I would say. A few jumpy scenes. It really brought the series to life !"
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 26, 2026
It was the best thing I ever watched!!!!
"Very engaging! I have the attention span of a fish and this show was sooo amazing that I actually wanted to watch more when it was done. I highly recommend this if you ever get the chance to watch any broadway show!!! Five stars from me!!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Apr 26, 2026
Running Up That Hill… Straight Into the Upside Down
"If you’re a Stranger Things fan, this play is an absolute must-see. The storyline is tight and engaging, pulling you right into that eerie, nostalgic world we all love—but what really takes it to another level are the special effects. They’re seriously mind-blowing for a stage production. Add in a cast that delivers across the board, and you’ve got something truly special. From start to finish, it’s an immersive, electrifying experience that left me completely wowed."
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Vanessa L from Austin on Apr 25, 2026
It is amazing, spectacular !
"We loved the show. C’est une dinguerie !"
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maryline s from Chasseneuil-du-Poitou on Apr 24, 2026
Blown away
"Visual effects were amazing, good acting, good story, everything was just spectacular "
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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. "
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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. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Mar 6, 2026
My daughter loved the show!
"I loved everything, very good sound, effects! Very organized as well."
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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. "
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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. "
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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. "
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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!"
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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."
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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. "
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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"
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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."
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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!"
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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! "
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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."
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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."
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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. "
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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. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Feb 17, 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.
