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 (497)

4.8
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
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Creative!
"Really creatively done. Acting was spot on of-course. Great for fans of the show. Seating was phenomenal. You can get a great view from almost anywhere. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 21, 2026
Amazing
"It's the best show I could have seen during my visit to New York. It's amazing; you forget you're in New York because you're transported to Hawkins. It blew my mind; it's incredible"
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Giovana M from Cdmx on Jan 21, 2026
Blown away....
"The storyline and connection with the series is perfect, with the exception of a couple of loopholes. But can be overlooked. The production, lighting effect and props were amazing, as well as the characters and acting. Superb, phenomenal and amazing doesn't give it justice enough. Definitely revisit ST Season 1 over again before seeing the show. A must see!!!!"
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Tony C from Perth Amboy on Jan 19, 2026
Excellent Play - Accurate Marketing
"I loved this play! I was in town for a shorter week and was thrilled to find out it was still running. It's a beautiful theatre, with lots of cool merch and signs to take photos of/with. Staff is very friendly. I hadn't been to a Broadway show before, the playbill was lovely. The show is so impressive. It's fast, interesting, surprising. Excellent cast, very impressive sets, some scores from the show intertwined in it as well. I would recommend it to everyone, except kids as there are lots of loud sounds, some blood and gunshots, it definitely made me jump at one point. I found a great priced seat on Broadway.com, had a great view as well."
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Melanie D from Toronto on Jan 17, 2026
Stranger Things-I Never Thought I Would Enjoy This Play
"I was not a Stranger Things fan. I had never seen an episode or watched a trailer. My kids loved the show. Since we were going to be close to Times Square this weekend I thought seeing the play would be a great experience for them. This play is a complete theatrical experience and I was totally blown away! Come see this play! IMMEDIATELY!!!"
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Tonya J from Hampton on Jan 17, 2026
Brilliant cast, show and spectacular effects
"Cast were fantastic, story was brilliant and the special effects were awesome. Absolutely loved it and tremendous story."
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Paul K from Blyth on Jan 15, 2026
Great night out
"Was my favorite play that I’ve seen so far, the actors/actress’s are incredible, love that they went back in time to tell stories fans actually care about/want to see."
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Vincent S from Queens on Jan 14, 2026
Great experience!
"The actors are amazing, great experience. There are many jump scares, flashing lights, and loud sounds."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 14, 2026
Hawkins come to life on stage!
"If you love Stranger Things, you’ll love this play. And if you haven’t seen the series, this show might send you straight to Netflix. The special effects are surprisingly cinematic, and seeing familiar characters as teenagers is a fun, fresh twist. It’s suspenseful, visually impressive, and totally engaging—even if you’re new to the story."
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Elizabeth B from Los Angeles on Jan 14, 2026
A life-action Stranger Things episode
"The play was really fascinating regarding the special effects. The crew did an amazing job, especially the main adrię playing Henry Creel. However for me the play had quite a lot of jump scares and could easily fall into the thriller/horror category so i would not recommend it for younger viewers (IF they have seen the show and were not scared then it’s will be ok for them but without i would not recommend)."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 14, 2026
Absolutely Amazing
"The special effects, the acting, the props, it was all perfect. As soon as I left the theater, I already looked up tickets for the next time I can see the show because it was that good. Thank you for an incredible experience!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 13, 2026
Wowed by the special affects
"Having never seen the series or been particularly interested in sci-fi, I was swept along with the well acted story. The theatrics/special effects were amazing and the cast believable. Highly recommend this play!"
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Sherry D from Robinson on Jan 13, 2026
Not your typical musical
"It was clever, unique and didn’t disappoint. It had a great set and loved the few jump scares. Nicely done prequel and acting was right on Target. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 12, 2026
Amazing
"Like going into the tv show. Fantastic effects. Would NOT recommend for children. Even if your kid watches the show, this is a much different experience. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 12, 2026
Incredible show
"An amazing production in every way giving Stranger Things fans more story while showcasing an off-screen unforgettable experience!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 11, 2026
Amazing Things!
"This experience completely exceeded my expectations! The special effects were top tier. My 14 year old daughter and I were absolutely in awe of this performance. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 10, 2026
Amazing!
"The show was amazing! If you watch the netflix series you will love this. It’s basically like what Wicked is to the Wizard of Oz. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 8, 2026
Amazing experience
"I took my daughter (14) to see the play as part of her Christmas gift this year. We are both fans of the series. We both absolutely loved it. The set, special effects, and acting were all great. I'm not sure if I'd recommend taking very small children. There were several parts that could be scary to them. Definitely worthwhile to see if you are able to. And it helped explain some missing gaps in the Netflix series storyline. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 8, 2026
An amazing experience
"The show is an amazing experience for fans or non fans of the series. The lights, music and performances are in top. Definetly I"m coming back soon."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 8, 2026
Visual and sound effects amazing
"The acting was great but I really want to highlight the sound effects and lighting making us think we were actually there. "
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Kristen D from Frisco on Jan 8, 2026
Amazing Production!!
"Honestly one of the coolest shows I've ever seen! Scary and sad with just the right amount of humor."
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Alexandra A from Pottstown on Jan 6, 2026
Loved it
"A must see for Stranger Things fans! Loved getting the backstory on Henry Creel."
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Stranger Things The First Shadow was an amazing show!
"This show had it all! It was a trip back in time with some twists and turns along the way! It was absolutely amazing what they did with special effects on stage! Simply breath taking! Highly recommended for any fan of Stranger Things!"
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Best Play I’ve Seen
"Great prequel and truly gives you a deeper understanding of Henry and other characters backgrounds from the show. Special effects were amazing. Truly brings the void to real life. Second act connects all of the dots you were hoping for. "
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Broadway.com Customer on Jan 5, 2026
Memorizing and terrifying
"Loved the show. Awesome cast. Joyce and Hopper so true characters on show. So fun, confusing and terrifying. Lots of humor and amazing special effects. First broadway show and didn’t disappoint. "
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Amie H from Haverhill on Jan 5, 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.

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