Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ to Open on Broadway in Spring 2025

Netflix’s ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ to Open on Broadway in Spring 2025

As a die-hard Stranger Things fan who grew up in the small town chaos of Hawkins (or at least, that’s how it feels), I can barely contain my excitement for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” making its way to Broadway! Having binge-watched the series multiple times and even hosting a local D&D game based on the Upside Down, I feel like this is a dream come true.


Stranger Things: The First Shadow is coming to Broadway in the spring. 

As a gaming enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that the prequel to my favorite Netflix series will begin its sneak peeks at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, 2025, with an official opening night following on April 2025. This exciting collaboration between Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions has already made waves in London’s West End, where it debuted in December 2023 and continues to captivate audiences today. I can hardly wait to immerse myself in this extension of the series’ world!

The play, penned by Kate Trefry, features youthful portrayals of characters hailing from the popular TV series. These include young versions of Winona Ryder’s Joyce, Sean Astin’s Bob Newby, and David Harbour’s Hopper.

As someone who grew up in a small town much like Hawkins, I can relate to the ordinary lives depicted at the beginning of this story. The struggles of young Jim Hopper with his car troubles, Bob Newby’s frustration with his radio show, and Joyce Maldonado’s desire for something more – these are all experiences that resonate deeply with me. But what sets this town apart is the arrival of Henry Creel and the mysterious shadows of his family’s past that seem to stretch endlessly into the present. It’s a chilling reminder that even in the most ordinary places, secrets can lurk in the darkest corners.

The creators of the series, the Duffer brothers, hold credit for the initial story idea, along with Trefry and Jack Thorne who scripted the stage version of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child“. Meanwhile, Shawn Levy, producer of “Stranger Things“, and Dan Cohen from Levy’s company 21 Laps, serve as associate producers for the show.

Stephen Daldry, known for directing “The Inheritance on Broadway” and serving as an executive producer on “Netflix’s The Crown,” teams up with Justin Martin (who previously directed Jodie Comer in “Prima Facie” in the West End) to co-direct the production. Further details about casting for the Broadway run will be revealed at a future date.

The First Shadow” in the West End was broadly acclaimed, earning special accolades for its innovative stagecraft. This production bagged the 2024 Olivier Award for the category of best new play in the entertainment or comedy genre, and also received an Olivier award for exceptional set design.

Last season, Netflix stepped into Broadway production for the first time with the play “Patriots”, penned by Peter Morgan, the mind behind “The Crown”. This production debuted on April 22 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre and concluded its run on June 23. Plans are underway to adapt this stage play into a screen version.

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2024-08-06 21:25