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
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Customer Reviews (619)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Wait, is this live theater?
"Stranger Things: The First Shadow was absolutely phenomenal! At times, I completely forgot I was watching a live stage performance; the production quality and special effects were so cinematic, it felt like a movie. From the captivating opening scene to the thrilling finale, it was nothing short of incredible. This play is not just a prequel, it’s a masterful expansion of the Stranger Things universe, packed with heart-pounding seat jumping moments, clever nods to the series, and emotional depth that adds new layers to the story we love. Sharing this experience with my 14-year-old granddaughter made it even more magical. We were both completely captivated, and it’s a memory we’ll treasure forever. If you’re a fan of Stranger Things or just love incredible theater, this is an absolute must-see!"
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yvonne g from Perkasie on Jan 5, 2026
Worth every penny
"The show was amazing, the special effects were espectacular and the acting was on point. I felt I was inside of a movie… totally loved it! Done jump scares tho."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
For the Stranger Things Super Fans…
"It was so much fun! For me (and my family), it completed the stranger things story. It was jump scares, intense scenes, scream-y, and loud! In the best way possible. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
Mystery
"Sci-fi horror series blending 1980s pop culture, mystery, and supernatural thrills"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
Edge of your seat entertainment!
"Such a fantastic show. The special effects and acting were amazing. 💯 recommend "
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Cheryl D from New Orleans on Jan 4, 2026
Best show ever!!
"The cast was amazing, the representation was fantastic, and I was never bored. The props and imagery were jaw dropping and this was an overall amazing show I would recommend to anyone. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
Perfect Prequel
"First, the special effects are incredible for a Broadway show. The story is a perfect introduction to the Stranger Things series and fills in some of the gaps the show doesn't introduce until the final few episodes, so a few spoiler alerts for those that may not have watched Season 5 yet."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 4, 2026
So much fun!
"I took my 10 year old son who is obsessed with the Netflix series over Christmas break. There were some scary parts, but we loved the broadway show. Would definitely recommend to kids 10 and over. My son is now hooked on Broadway and cant wait until we go again."
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Rachael B from Massapequa on Jan 3, 2026
Amazing
"Loved the show, the special effects (not even sure how they did some of it), and the casting! If your littles are ok with loud, suspenseful, and horror themed experiences, I think this is ok for kids (some crude language and inuendos). My 9 (almost 10 year old, horror buff) loved it! "
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Jacqueline F from Sarver on Jan 3, 2026
Beautiful production!
"It is an amazing production! It still doesn't really explain why or how dimension x got there, but It is a great show and gives a good back story for Henry. I would not bring children under 12 as there is many jumpscares, loud noises and realistic costumes."
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Sharon L from California on Jan 3, 2026
Fantastic show!
"The play was absolutely spectacular! Loved all of the action and effects. The story was suburb. I went with my husband and our two kids, ages 11 and 14. We all loved the show and agree we would all see it again. "
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Nicole R from Lebanon on Jan 2, 2026
Amazing
"The show blew us away! Actors, story, and effects were great! Highly recommend!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 1, 2026
A True Spectacle
"The show was incredible, visually and narratively rising above and beyond my expectations. Each acting performance felt tailored to their respective roles, and the balance between the highschool subplot and Henry Creel's oddity helped ease tension with some added comedic relief. Huge props to everyone involved, as a fan of the Netflix show, the play blew me away and is definitely the most impressive work of the IP."
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Laura P from New York on Dec 31, 2025
Stranger Things Prequel Hits Broadway
"The special effects are beyond anything I’ve ever seen on Broadway. The story is captivating and keeps you on the edge of your seat during the entire performance. Must See. "
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Diane Q from Chester on Dec 31, 2025
An amazing play
"This was a great show! The special effects , actors and theater in general was great. Very entertaining and fast paced. Would love to see it again"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 30, 2025
An amazing experience
"Stranger Things on Broadway is an absolute triumph! From the moment the lights dimmed, I was transported straight into Hawkins and the Upside Down. The acting was truly phenomenal, every performer captured the heart, humor, and intensity that fans love. It felt like watching these iconic characters come to life right in front of us, with breathtaking emotion and authenticity. Hopper especially 💪🏼 The overall experience was unforgettable. The staging and effects were unlike anything I’ve ever seen on Broadway. The set design alone deserves its own standing ovation, imaginative, immersive, and full of surprises that had the entire audience gasping. The lighting, sound, and visual effects blended seamlessly to create a world that was at times nostalgic, eerie, and electrifying. This show isn’t just for fans of the series, it’s a theatrical masterpiece that stands on its own. Whether you’ve watched Stranger Things or not, you’ll be swept up in the story, the suspense, and the pure creative magic happening on that stage. If you’re able to get tickets, do it. Stranger Things on Broadway is a must-see production that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. "
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Charles M from Saint Johns on Dec 30, 2025
O'Henry
"Fantastic! As a fan of the show, this adds relevant backstories to main characters. The production and stage craft were some of the best I've ever seen. The cast was stellar, especially Hopper, Joyce, Patty, and Henry. I hope I get to see it again some day. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 30, 2025
Really enjoyed the show...
"Special effects were phenomenal! Song and dance seemed a bit out of place given the theme of the play. Foul language and sexual content might not be suitable for younger age children. "
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Cynthia B from Midland on Dec 29, 2025
Great backstory presentation
"Loved the story-gives some humanity to the Henry/Vecna character, such that you have empathy for and a better understanding of this main character. Great to see right before series finale! A Christmas gift to my daughter, who loves the show. The live demogorgons were awesome!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 29, 2025
Coolest Mom Ever!
"I loved that as a mom that hasn’t watched the series I was able to follow along. My son and his friend are 16 years old and gave this a nine out of ten. That’s why I consider myself the coolest mom ever!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 29, 2025
A Theatrical Triumph in New York!
"The lighting design, sound, and scenic elements weave together an exhilarating extravaganza. Projections twist reality, illusions defy physics, and the soundscape pulses with eerie nostalgia, pulling you deeper into Hawkins' supernatural chaos. Every shadow feels alive, every roar hits like a Demogorgon ambush—pure technical magic that rivals the best of immersive theater. Five stars. Don't miss this shadow in the city that never sleeps!"
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IOANNIS K from ATHENS on Dec 29, 2025
Absolutely amazing!
"This was the best Broadway show to see! Great acting, great effects, just great all around! Highly recommend!"
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Darinda C from San Antonio on Dec 28, 2025
Had to be perfect…
"Never saw a show on Broadway. Never wanted to. Being a fan of Stranger Things brought me there. What a phenomenal addition to the Stranger Things world. Now I find myself planning more trips to see a Broadway show and my wife and daughter couldn’t be more happy. This show had to be perfect to get me to come back and they nailed it…Bravo!!!"
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Timothy C from Middletown on Dec 27, 2025
Absolutely jaw-dropping!!
"This show was beyond our expectations! It was enjoyable for the entire family… the story-line was awesome, the characters were memorable, and the acting was unreal! Highly recommend!!!"
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Jamie O from Ocala on Dec 27, 2025
The First Shadow
"The shows production was incredibly well done. The graphics and visual effects were amazing. I wish the story showed how Henry developed the powers, but other than that, great job. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 27, 2025
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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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