Inside Stranger Things: The First Shadow — Broadway’s Boldest Horror Yet
New Delhi | April 18, 2025 — The world of Hawkins, Indiana has officially landed on Broadway — and it’s unlike anything theatergoers have seen before. “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” the highly anticipated prequel to Netflix’s supernatural hit, is now playing at New York’s Marquis Theatre, transforming the iconic venue into a dark and dazzling portal into the Upside Down.
The Origin of Vecna Unfolds in Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Set in 1959, years before the events of the television series, Stranger Things: The First Shadow digs into the backstory of Henry Creel — the boy who would become Vecna. Directed by Tony winner Stephen Daldry (“Billy Elliot”) and co-conceived by “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer, the show blends high-stakes horror with emotional depth, immersing fans and newcomers alike into a world of eerie visions, rising dread, and monstrous threats.
Louis McCartney stars as a young Henry, whose disturbing powers are beginning to surface after a traumatic incident force his family to relocate to Hawkins. Alongside him is Gabrielle Nevaeh as Patty Newby, a fellow outcast who becomes his closest ally while trying to make sense of his visions and unpredictable behavior. Their bond provides an emotional core to the spectacle-heavy production.
Stranger Things Season 5: How the First Shadow Expands the Stranger Things Universe
Cast member Eric Wiegand, who plays Alan Munson, described his awe upon seeing The First Shadow’s centerpiece monster — the Mind Flayer — in action during rehearsals. According to him, watching the creature’s massive tentacles unravel through fog and flashing lights was a jaw-dropping experience for both cast and crew.
The Mind Flayer is just one of several chilling visual highlights. From on-stage levitation to blood-soaked sequences reminiscent of classic horror flicks, “The First Shadow” uses live effects in ways rarely seen on Broadway. Playwright Kate Trefry, also a writer on the Netflix series, noted that even after countless viewings, some moments still catch her off guard, crediting the live format for its ability to constantly surprise.
But beyond the spectacle, Stranger Things: The First Shadow grounds its supernatural elements in very human struggles. McCartney emphasized that the appeal of the story lies in its emotional stakes — characters fighting to survive and protect each other. That realism, even amid the chaos of otherworldly threats, keeps audiences emotionally invested.
The First Shadow Connects Past, Present — and Season 5
The narrative of Stranger Things: The First Shadow revisits familiar faces — or at least, their younger selves. Fans will recognize names like Jim Hopper (played by Burke Swanson), Joyce Maldonado (Alison Jaye), and Bob Newby (Juan Carlos), who are portrayed as spirited teens investigating a disturbing series of pet murders that may be linked to the growing darkness Henry is experiencing. Their storyline adds a layer of mystery and nostalgia, giving longtime fans plenty of callbacks while still remaining accessible for those new to the franchise.
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” also dives into the origin of Eleven’s father figure, Dr. Brenner, played by Alex Breaux in a role that reimagines Matthew Modine’s cold, clinical presence on screen. These characters are not mere placeholders; they reflect a broader theme of trauma and transformation — how formative events shape people into the adults they become, a point Trefry believes anchors the whole story.
The production of Stranger Things also features nods to the series’ most iconic imagery: twinkling Christmas lights, rainbow-colored labs, and an ominous, synth-heavy musical motif. These Easter eggs are layered throughout the set and script, designed to reward attentive fans without overwhelming new viewers.
The Marquis Theatre itself has undergone an eerie makeover, designed to resemble the Creel family home. The immersive atmosphere extends to the audience, some of whom arrive dressed in cosplay or bring fan-made gifts. McCartney said the fan interactions have been one of the highlights, calling them “super-crafty and fun.”
Stranger Things Season 5—Broadway Just Got a Portal to the Upside Down
Playwright Kate Trefry explained that the story had to align with the entire Stranger Things timeline — both past and future. “It’s canon,” she said, “so it needs to fit everything that’s come before and what’s still to come in Season 5.” At the same time, Trefry made it clear the play needed to stand on its own for first-time viewers. While some details might slip past those unfamiliar with the series, there’s still plenty for longtime fans to connect with. Above all, her focus remained on crafting the strongest story possible.
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” officially opens April 22 and is expected to draw massive crowds — not just for its connection to the beloved series, but for its bold step in fusing cinematic horror with live theatrical magic. For fans eager to revisit Hawkins in a whole new way, the Upside Down has never felt so real.