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 Critics’ Reviews (2)

A collection of our favorite reviews from professional news sources.

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

Daily Mail

Luke Jones

"Breathtaking theatre. It's irresistible."

The Guardian

Arifa Akbar

customer reviews

Customer Reviews (410)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Special effects were insane!
"The effects were so cool, the cast was amazing. The seats were great too"
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fernando l from Coral Gables on Dec 15, 2025
Every stranger things fan needs to see!
"It was just incredible. The casting was spot on to the characters on Netflix. The Netflix show tie ins, the special effects, everything. We walked away in awe!!"
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Nora W from South Deerfield on Dec 14, 2025
Incredible what can be achieved on a stage production…
"It was amazing!! Wouldn’t personally recommend for children under 10 as it wasn’t appropriate for young children in places. "
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Lee S from Ipswich on Dec 14, 2025
Upside down world circa 1950
"If you are a fan of the show this is a no brainer. Amazing cast and special effects. Lays down the groundwork for the spinoff series coming in 2026"
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kenneth y from BROOKLYN on Dec 14, 2025
Spectacular and Terrifying!
"Special effects that confuse the mind and amazing story telling! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 13, 2025
First broadway show ever and our minds were blown
"This was our first ever broadway show and so, we didn’t know what to expect from the show. But the stranger things first shadow absolutely blew our minds. Everything from the set design to the effects to the acting was top notch. There was never a dull moment in 2h45 min run time. I highly recommend this to everybody regardless of if they’re a big stranger things fan or not."
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Antony S from Chicago on Dec 13, 2025
A-MA-ZING!
"The production, sets, special effects and sound effects, and especially the acting…just incredible! I would highly recommend this show if you like Stranger Things!!! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 12, 2025
Stranger things fan must see
"Loved absolutely everything about the show. All actors were amazing and it correlated with the series perfectly. Best broadway show I’ve been to. "
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Jennifer T from Tampa on Dec 11, 2025
Not a theatre kind of guy BUT WOW
"This show had it all. Performers were absolutely amazing. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 10, 2025
Amazing
"If you’re a fan of Stranger Things, you definitely don’t wanna miss this. The cast was amazing. The set was amazing and the jump scares were out of this world. I loved the show and guaranteed you will too."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 9, 2025
Fantastic!
"I love how the show is the prequel so even if you haven’t watched the series yet it can be enjoyed. My daughter & I had a fabulous time together at the show. I’d highly recommend it for the 13 & over crowd. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 8, 2025
Amazing special effects
"The characters where just like those in the Netflix show, sounded and acted like them. The special affects where amazing!! Highly recommend seeing. Kids may be scared because some of the sounds are extremely loud."
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Tracy V from BRISTOL on Dec 7, 2025
Amazing
"Absolutely blown away. From the set designs to the lighting. Amazing! The acting was superb. I recommend everyone go see this play. "
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Leanne T from Ravenswood on Dec 7, 2025
Amazing
"This was my first broadway show and I was blown away! It was amazing I would definitely recommend to everyone who has seen the series on Netflix. Amazing actors / actresses and visuals. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
It has completed my life I can die in peace now.
"It was intriguing and action packed letting us see into henrys world/mind. I really recomend it was an 11/10."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
AWESOME
"Incredible show with stunning visuals and effects. Engaging storyline and very talented performers. The mind flayer was absolutely jaw-dropping to see on stage. Of course, plot pulls heavily from Stranger Things, but someone who has not seen the show before can still follow and enjoy this performance. Probably not suitable for children under 10, unless they're feeling brave!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
Insurmountable
"I haven’t been to a Broadway performance since I was in grade school. Stranger Things not only met, but exceeded any & all expectations. Between the acting, the sheer terror, and the special effects; this was one of, if not the greatest performances I’ve ever witnessed. Dialogue & obvious gore / horror are inappropriate for younger individuals and believe me, some of these jumps-cares & noises got us good."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
Fantastic immersive show
"This was our second time seeing this and we loved it just as much as the first time! If you’re a fan of Stranger Things you’ve got to see this show!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
Amazing!
"This show exceeded my expectations. I watched the TV show with my kids on and off and was worried I would be lost, but the play stood on its own and was very engaging. My kids (ages 11 and 12) absolutely loved it. It had the best set design I have ever seen! 5 star show for sure! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
Goosebumps
"The show was fascinating. Goosebumps on every scene. The technical equipment is outstanding and the performance of the crew was just awesome. You can feel the show and the storytelling is amazing."
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
A great time and backstory
"This was an amazing play! I loved it so much and the production and actors were incredible. I didn’t have high expectations but wow there are so amazing props and the cast did a great job portraying the characters. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 6, 2025
Stranger Things Was Amazing
"Acting, special effects, story line. Just an incredible show."
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Kimberley H from Fort Myers on Dec 5, 2025
Fantastic!
"Loved their take on the prequel of stranger things! Actors put on an amazing show! Would definitely see again! "
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Broadway.com Customer on Dec 5, 2025
I loved this so much!
"I loved how the younger versions of the beloved characters were brought to life and given good back stories that tied to children in the series, the acting was great, the production was great! "
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Jennifer B from North canton on Dec 5, 2025
Sci-Fi at its best brilliantly executed by an amazing cast
"The staging was unbelievable and stunning. The cast was impeccable and the lead actor Louis McCartney playing Henry Creel is an otherworldly phenomenon, multi level acting at it’s best, british of course. The whole cast gave their hearts and souls to their roles. You can tell they love what they do by the performances they delivered as a team. This is the second time we’ve seen this show and chose the Mezzanine second row. I highly recommend these seats for the staging. BRAVO to the creators and cast for a brilliant performance!!! NOT for the squeamish or faint of heart. Several VERY scary scenes. "
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Robert G from Orlando on Dec 1, 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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