- Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a prequel to the Netflix series, taking audiences back to Hawkins in 1959 to explore the early stories of Henry Creel, Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Bob Newby.
- The Tony Award-winning play runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes at the Marquis Theatre and is recommended for audiences ages 12 and older.
- The current Broadway cast is led by Victor de Paula Rocha as Henry Creel, with performances scheduled through January 3, 2027.
The world of Stranger Things has made its way from Netflix to Broadway. Set decades before the events of the hit series, Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes audiences back to Hawkins, Indiana for a story filled with familiar characters, new mysteries, and spectacular stage effects.
Whether you’re a longtime Stranger Things fan or looking for an exciting Broadway play in New York City, here’s everything you need to know before seeing Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway.
Where is Stranger Things: The First Shadow playing on Broadway?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow plays at the Marquis Theatre, located at 210 West 46th Street in New York City’s Theatre District.
Located inside the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square, the theatre is within walking distance of several Midtown subway stations, restaurants, and attractions. Visit our Marquis Theatre guide for directions, transportation information, seating details, and accessibility information.
What is Stranger Things: The First Shadow about?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes audiences to Hawkins in 1959, more than two decades before the events of the Netflix series.
Young Jim Hopper is struggling with life as the police chief’s son, Joyce Maldonado is eager to graduate and leave Hawkins behind, and Bob Newby is trying to make his mark. Then Henry Creel arrives in town with his family, hoping for a fresh start.
As strange events begin to unfold, Henry finds himself at the center of a mystery that reaches far beyond Hawkins. The story explores events and relationships that help set the stage for the Stranger Things story audiences know from Netflix.
You don’t need to remember every detail of the television series before seeing the Broadway play. The First Shadow tells its own story, while fans of Stranger Things will recognize characters, places, and connections to the wider series.
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow a prequel?
Yes. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a prequel to the Netflix series Stranger Things, set in Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959.
The play introduces younger versions of Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, Bob Newby, and Henry Creel, exploring events that happened more than two decades before the beginning of the television series.
How long is Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission.
Who is in the current Stranger Things Broadway cast?
The current Broadway cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow is led by Victor de Paula Rocha as Henry Creel, alongside Ayana Cymone as Patty Newby, Shea Grant as Joyce Maldonado, Juan Carlos as Bob Newby, Matthew Erick White as James Hopper, Jr., and John Zdrojeski as Dr. Brenner.
The production’s second-year cast began performances in 2026, following the original Broadway company led by Tony Award nominee Louis McCartney as Henry Creel.
SEE: First Look at the New Broadway Cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Who created Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is written by Kate Trefry, a writer on the Netflix series, from an original story by Trefry, Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer, and playwright Jack Thorne.
The Broadway production is directed by three-time Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry, with co-direction by Justin Martin.
When did Stranger Things: The First Shadow open on Broadway?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow began previews at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, 2025, before officially opening on Broadway on April 22, 2025.
The play first premiered at London’s Phoenix Theatre in 2023 before making the move to New York.
What awards has Stranger Things: The First Shadow won?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow won four Tony Awards in 2025, including Best Scenic Design of a Play, Best Lighting Design of a Play, and Best Sound Design of a Play, plus a Special Tony Award recognizing the production’s illusions and technical effects.
Before coming to Broadway, the London production won two Olivier Awards, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Set Design.
The production’s stagecraft is a major part of the experience, using lighting, sound, illusions, and special effects to bring the world of Stranger Things to life on stage.
What is the age recommendation for Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is recommended for audiences ages 12 and older. Children under five are not permitted in the theatre, and guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
Parents and guardians should be aware that the Broadway play includes loud noises, gunfire audio, explosions, smoke and haze, flashing and strobe lighting, strong language, and depictions of mental health conditions.
How to get Stranger Things: The First Shadow Broadway tickets?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is currently playing at the Marquis Theatre through January 3, 2027.
Get tickets to Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway through Broadway Direct and explore available performance dates and seating options.
Planning a trip with a larger party? Groups of 10 or more can also explore Broadway Direct Group Sales for help organizing a school trip, celebration, or group visit.
