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 (420)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
Showing all reviews
order
Just the history that we need
"I love how the small details are incorporated into the performance that give us insight to the tv show. Highly recommend to anyone who is a true fan of the show."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 21, 2025
Must see if you are a fan of the show
"Phenomenal production value, sound, lights, acting, etc. great visuals and scenes. Creative ways to make the audience feel part of the show. "
...
Read more
Brian F from Doylestown on Dec 21, 2025
Superbly Strange
"This was mind blowing! Been a fan of the series and play since it started. The special effects were spot on! It is so captivating! Highly recommend! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 21, 2025
So engaging
"I was in it to win it from the second it started. Amazing scenery and design. Fantastic casting. What a treat to be there on Jamie’s broadway debut! My kids absolutely loved it. "
...
Read more
Carla M from Rochester on Dec 21, 2025
Don’t miss it!
"Absolutely captivating! Theatrics were like I’ve never seen on Broadway and the actor who played Henry deserves a nomination because he was amazing! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 20, 2025
Awesome show!
"The special effects were tremendous! The acting was amazing! My only complaint would be it was REALLY loud"
...
Read more
Pam M from Guilford on Dec 19, 2025
Good choice
"Special effects, amazing. Cast and crew amazing. Plot and theme amazing. The intermission is short, so not a lot of time for roaming. Arrive early to preview the souveiners. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 19, 2025
This play is the big leagues!
"The play was amazing! The sound effects, quick changes, and acting were extra-terrestrial. I absolutely loved everything about the play and how real it felt! It felt like I was actually living the life of a Hawkins character and seeing the real backstory of all the characters. I would totally recommend this play if you’re into Stranger things and want to experience the characters backstories."
...
Read more
Jessica A from Shamong on Dec 18, 2025
Amazing
"It would be easier to write what I didn't like. There, done. It was spectacular--the special effects were jaw-dropping, the acting was superb, the audience's infectious energy, the standing ovation--FOR THE PROLOGUE! You don't need to be a ST fan to enjoy it; my 83 yo mother has never watched the show and that didn't detract from her enjoyment one bit. I would go see it again tonight if I could."
...
Read more
Elizabeth B from Newport on Dec 18, 2025
Outstanding Performance
"This show was a 10/10. I went with my husband who has never watched Stranger Things and he loved it as well. As expected, he was a tad confused with the storyline but I have seen the show and thought it was very well made. The effects were absolutely incredible and I literally walked away thinking how do they do that. Would 100% recommend!! Just no children, the language was very much explicit and involved lots of cursing. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 15, 2025
Special effects were insane!
"The effects were so cool, the cast was amazing. The seats were great too"
...
Read more
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!!"
...
Read more
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. "
...
Read more
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"
...
Read more
kenneth y from BROOKLYN on Dec 14, 2025
Spectacular and Terrifying!
"Special effects that confuse the mind and amazing story telling! "
...
Read more
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."
...
Read more
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!!! "
...
Read more
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. "
...
Read more
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. "
...
Read more
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."
...
Read more
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. "
...
Read more
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."
...
Read more
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. "
...
Read more
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. "
...
Read more
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."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Dec 7, 2025
Viewing 1-25 of 420
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