"I had heard great things about this show but it still managed to completely exceed my expectations. Set design was so thoughtful and unique, acting was exceptional and pace was perfect. Started and ended with a bang! 100% would see it again."
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Amantha A from Venice on May 26, 2026
Amazing tech
"Even if you've never seen Stranger Things on Netflix this show is a must. The tech (and acting of course) is "stranger" than anything you've ever seen. I would see it again! "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 26, 2026
Tick Tock
"Mind blowing effects, funny and unforgettable!!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 26, 2026
Mind blowing
"I bought the tickets to celebrate my son’s graduation from college in NYC. This is more than I could have hoped for. Great cast, acting, special effects and overall experience. I love that the actors came into the audience, even upstairs . The mind flayer shocked me. The only reason I marked unsure for children…. Is that it is the parent’s discretion. Overall I’m coming back to see it again with my other son!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!!"
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Doriann J from Pasadena on May 25, 2026
Great
"Starts a little slow but then becomes awesome. The stage craft was wonderful."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 25, 2026
Set design and acting worth a world-class award!
"We took three kids, boys aged 12 and girl aged 10. The 10 year old did want to leave at one point because she thought it was scary, but she was glad she stayed! The set design, the digital projections, the costuming - this was one of the greatest shows I've ever experienced. Having watched the series in full, I knew some of the backstory, but even if you have never seen a single episode it's ok! The characters were so well developed and mirrored a "typical high school experience" so well. The story line had so many little tendrils that people of all ages and demographics can relate to: PTSD resulting from war-time service, dynamics between parents and children, (low key) racial dynamics, misogyny and powerful retorts to it. It has excellent subtlety for more mature audience members that is lost on the younger audience, which was appreciated. The interactive moments of the show are very very well done. It's horror, make no mistake but I'd say it's 30% horror/above-mild graphic content, 40% psychological suspense/horror/drama, and 30% levity and intersections of scenes. I cannot overstress how amazing the set design is. You are transported to the 1950s. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 24, 2026
A truly remarkable experience
"This show is like no other show I’ve ever seen. Of course the special effects are phenomenal, but the cast is top-notch. Now I want to go back and watch the TV show again. Truly an experience I will never forget! Thank you cast and crew of Stranger Things the First Shadow!!!!"
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Cyndy L from Grosse Pointe Woods on May 24, 2026
Spectacular - A Must Watch Brilliant Production
"Great production, spectacular details and representation of some of the key scenes and facts of the series brilliantly reflected on stage. My 15 tear old son and I just loved each and every part of the play, 3 hrs was not enough and cant wait to see the following oarts of the triology. Thank You.
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deniz k from NEW YORK on May 22, 2026
Just like being on set
"I loved the atmosphere, special effects, storyline, seamless weaving of the series with live theatre. The backstory is so creative. The pre-show music gets you out of the 80s and back in the 50s. The special effects pull you inside the storyline."
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Melissa M from Spring on May 20, 2026
Unique and exciting interactive show!
"Loved the special effects and the stage/set. Actors were great. Loved the story!"
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Kelly T from Naperville on May 20, 2026
Amazing fabulous spectacular
"10000/10 actors were amazing, the production was UNREAL "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 20, 2026
One of the Best Shows I have seen in awhile
"I have been going to Broadway shows since I was a kid growing up in Westchester NY. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The Actors were fantastic, and the plot (without ruining the show) was a bit different from the series, but was absolutely fantastic. It was a prequel to the series, so it was nice not to compare the Broadway Actors to the series Actors. It was absolutely fantastic. A must see! "
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Tracey F from Middletown on May 17, 2026
Stranger Things: The First Shadow - Prepare for High-octane Stagecraft!
"A theatrical marvel that sets a new benchmark for live entertainment. It pairs a gripping origin story with jaw-dropping special effects, delivering an unforgettable, must-see experience for fans of the franchise. The production completely redefines what is possible on a theater stage. The special effects and pyrotechnics are genuinely mind-boggling. Every burst, flash, and illusion raises your heart rate and leaves you wondering, "How did they do that?" but not recommended for young children. The cast brings staggering emotional depth to the stage. The story is rich enough to stand firmly on its own, while expertly dropping lore that ties perfectly into the final Netflix seasons."
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Andrew D from Rome on May 17, 2026
Fantastic
"There was nothing I did t like. I took my almost 16 year old daughter as a birthday gift. We are very big stranger things fans and it did not disappoint. I would see it 10 more times if I could!"
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Michele S from Niskayuna on May 17, 2026
My son loved it
"It was an amazing performance that left us wondering what was real and what was pre-filmed and played on screen. The magical elements are outstanding. My son, who loved the show, said it was the best show he’s ever seen (and we take him to see everything). "
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Ruy G from Jackson Heights on May 16, 2026
A-mazed!!
"The set and storyline were absolutely fantastic, drawing me in completely. I was genuinely scared multiple times and found myself eagerly immersed in every moment. I can't wait to watch it again if the chance arises. A must-see experience!"
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Jack W from Rock Hill on May 15, 2026
Goosebumps!
"I got goosebumps more than half a dozen times because I felt a part of the production--REAL! The special effects and costumes were amazing. The lead actor was exceptional and convincing. I would not recommend for children if foul language offends their parents."
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Linda H from Newport News on May 13, 2026
Performances and special effects are amazing!
"Really great show! I love all of the nods to the television series, and the actor playing the main character (a younger 001) was amazing. The special effects are also pretty jaw-dropping, and unlike anything I've ever seen for a live performance. It really opens up some new possibilities for theater, honestly, and worth seeing for that reason alone."
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Julie A from Hollister on May 13, 2026
Fantastic prequel for fans of the tv show
"As mentioned above and no spoilers but this was such a great show! Set in the 1950s it is a prequel with all your favourite Hawkins characters brought to life.
The special FX are out of this world and bring the story to life.
Great characters and brilliant acting and cast.
Just my opinion, but a fantastic story which totally rounds off the whole Stranger Things TV show!!
One to watch if you’re visiting NYC!!"
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Broadway.com Customer on May 12, 2026
Fantastic! Must see!
"This doesn’t apply to my family but it might be a little much for young children. Language, explosions etc "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 11, 2026
Super sound effects.
"I liked everything. It was very loud. Special effects were phenomenal. Intermission could’ve been longer, crazy lines for ladies room. People should familiarize themselves with the series, so they can relate to the characters."
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Broadway.com Customer on May 11, 2026
Just go!
"Do your Stranger Things homework and then go see this incredible production. If this show runs its course without you seeing it, you will have missed one of the most incredible productions. It’s the reason Broadway exists. Wow!"
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Riff W from Aledo on May 9, 2026
First Broadway show for our family!
"We loved the Stranger Things tv show, so this was a great way to keep that energy going. The acting was amazing, the sets and effects were stunning, and the moments of interacting with the audience was fun. It was amazing, my kids still can’t stop talking about it and it’s been 5 days. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 6, 2026
Fantastic, but maybe not for little kids.
"It’s absolutely spectacular! An absolute MUST for Stranger Things diehards. It was brilliantly acted, and flowed very well. That said, some language and references or innuendo were adult themed and a lot of young kids were there. The swears were completely unnecessary, really, but made it more PG-13. "
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Broadway.com Customer on May 4, 2026
Stranger Things On Broadway
"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
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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.
