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    Frank Belknap Long

    Stranger Things: The First Shadow
    Promotional poster
    Written byKate Trefry
    Story by
    Based onStranger Things
    by Matt & Ross Duffer
    Directed byStephen Daldry, Justin Martin
    Date premieredDecember 14, 2023 (2023-12-14)
    Place premieredPhoenix Theatre, London
    Original languageEnglish
    Genre
    SettingHawkins, Indiana
    Official site

    Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a play written by Kate Trefry from an original story by Matt & Ross Duffer, Jack Thorne, and Trefry. The story serves as a prequel to the events of the television series Stranger Things. The production, directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, previewed on November 17, 2023, and officially opened on December 14 at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End. The play began a run on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre, New York, on April 22, 2025.

    Background

    In July 2022, it was revealed that a spin-off stage play and a spin-off series were in the works.[1] The stage play was produced by Sonia Friedman, directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin,[2] and written by Kate Trefry,[3] based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry.[4]

    Production history

    West End (2023)

    On March 1, 2023, the show's title was announced as Stranger Things: The First Shadow.[5] The show began previews on November 17, 2023, and officially opened on December 14, 2023, at the Phoenix Theatre.[6][7][8]

    The production is co-directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin. Set design is by Miriam Buether; costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel; lighting design by Jon Clark; sound design by Paul Arditti; illusion design and visual effects by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher; video design and visual effects by 59 Productions; movement direction by Coral Messam; wigs, hair and make-up design by Campbell Young Associates; casting by Jessica Ronane Casting CDG; and international casting consultancy by Jim Carnahan. Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates is technical director.[9]

    On September 20, 2023, the full cast was announced. The company features Oscar Lloyd as James Hopper Jr., Isabella Pappas as Joyce Maldonado, Chris Buckley as Bob Newby, Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, Patrick Vaill as Dr. Brenner, Ella Karuna Williams as Patty Newby, Michael Jibson as Victor Creel, and Lauren Ward as Virginia Creel.[10][7]

    Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the Phoenix Theatre, London, in April 2024

    On April 15, 2025, a documentary called Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, about the making of the play and its debut in the West End, was released on Netflix.[11]

    In June 2025, director Justin Martin said that the audiences were very noisy compared to traditional theatre audiences. Surveys revealed that around 60 per cent of them had never been to the theatre, so they "eat popcorn throughout and just respond in a really natural way".[12]

    Broadway (2025)

    On August 6, 2024, it was announced that the show would transfer to Broadway in Spring 2025. Previews began at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, 2025, while the play's official opening date was on April 22, 2025.[13][14] Louis McCartney was announced to be reprising the role of Henry Creel for the Broadway transfer in 2025.[15]

    Principal cast and characters

    Character West End[16] West End[17] Broadway[18]
    2023 2025 2025
    James Hopper Jr. Oscar Lloyd George Smale Burke Swanson
    Joyce Maldonado Isabella Pappas Jessica Rhodes Alison Jaye
    Bob Newby Chris Buckley Callum Maxwell Juan Carlos
    Henry Creel Louis McCartney Louis Healy[19][20] Louis McCartney
    Dr. Brenner Patrick Vaill Luke Mullins Alex Breaux
    Alan Munson Max Harwood Michael Murray Eric Weigand
    Patty Newby Ella Karuna Williams Miranda Mufema Gabrielle Nevaeh
    Victor Creel Michael Jibson Andy Langtree T.R. Knight
    Virginia Creel Lauren Ward Lauren O'Neil Rosie Benton
    Alice Creel Imogen Turner Eira Kay Poppy Lovell
    Faith Delaney Tabitha Morley
    Anika Boyle Pixie Robbins Azalea Wolfe
    Lily Crawford Maya Guinoubi
    Chief Hopper Shane Attwooll Ted Koch
    Lonnie Byers Chase Brown Jack Crumlin Logan Gould
    Charles Sinclair Ammar Duffus Robert T. Cunningham
    Ted Wheeler Gilles Geary Barney Wilkinson Jamie Martin Mann
    Karen Childress Florence Guy Edie Wright Dora Dolphin
    Principal Newby Matthew Pidgeon Andrew Hovelson
    Walter Henderson Calum Ross Jack Gardner Ian Dolley
    Claudia Yount Maisie Norma Seaton Betsy Mayle Shea Grant
    Sue Anderson Kemi Awoderu Rhianna Doris Ayana Cymone

    Notable replacements

    West End (2023-)

    Awards and nominations

    2024 West End production

    Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
    2024 Laurence Olivier Awards[22] Best Entertainment or Comedy Play Won
    Best Director Stephen Daldry (Director), Justin Martin (co-director) Nominated
    Best Lighting Design Jon Clark Nominated
    Best Set Design Miriam Buether (Set Design), 59 Productions (Video Design) Won
    Best Sound Design Paul Arditti Nominated
    WhatsOnStage Awards[23] Best New Play Won
    Best Professional Debut Performance Louis McCartney Nominated
    Best Casting Direction Jessica Ronane Nominated
    Best Lighting Design Jon Clark Nominated
    Best Set Design Miriam Buether Nominated
    Best Sound Design Paul Arditti Nominated
    Best Video Design 59 Productions Nominated
    Best Graphic Design The Creative Partnership Nominated

    2025 Broadway production

    Year Award Ceremony Category Nominee Result
    2025 Tony Awards Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play Louis McCartney Nominated
    Best Scenic Design of a Play Miriam Buether and 59 Productions Won
    Best Costume Design of a Play Brigitte Reiffenstuel Nominated
    Best Lighting Design of a Play Jon Clark Won
    Best Sound Design of a Play Paul Arditti Won
    Special Tony Award Jamie Harrison, Chris Fisher, Gary Beestone, and Edward Pierce (for illusions and technical effects) Won
    Drama League Awards[24] Outstanding Production of a Play Nominated
    Distinguished Performance Louis McCartney Nominated
    Drama Desk Award[25] Outstanding Lead Performance in a Play Louis McCartney Nominated
    Outstanding Direction of a Play Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin Nominated
    Outstanding Scenic Design of a Play Miriam Buether, and Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher (illusions and visual effects) Won
    Outstanding Lighting Design of a Play Jon Clark Won
    Outstanding Sound Design of a Play Paul Arditti Won
    Outer Critics Circle Awards[26] Outstanding New Broadway Play Nominated
    Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Play Louis McCartney Nominated
    Outstanding Direction of a Play Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin Nominated
    Outstanding Scenic Design Miriam Buether, Jamie Harrison, and Chris Fisher Won
    Outstanding Lighting Design Jon Clark Won
    Outstanding Sound Design Paul Arditti Won
    Outstanding Video/Projections 59 Productions Nominated

    References

    1. ^ "Netflix announces 'Stranger Things' spin-off as creators form new production company". CNBC. BBC News. July 7, 2022. Archived from the original on July 6, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
    2. ^ "Stranger Things spin-offs to include play made by British theatre duo". bbc.co.uk. BBC News. July 7, 2022. Archived from the original on July 8, 2022. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
    3. ^ "Stranger Things prequel play combines darkness and fun, creators say". BBC News. March 21, 2023. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
    4. ^ "Sonia Friedman Productions". soniafriedman.com. Archived from the original on April 1, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
    5. ^ Huff, Lauren (March 1, 2023). "Stranger Things to get stage play about 1959 Hawkins featuring young Hopper, Joyce, and Vecna". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on March 1, 2023. Retrieved March 1, 2023.
    6. ^ "Ambassador Theatre Group announces 'Stranger Things' performance dates". ATG Tickets. ATG. March 21, 2023. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved March 21, 2023.
    7. ^ a b Porter, Rick (September 20, 2023). "'Stranger Things' Stage Play Sets Cast, Opening Date". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
    8. ^ "'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Cast Tease West End Play: 'It's Like Being in a F—ing Action Film'". Variety. November 17, 2023. Archived from the original on November 25, 2023. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
    9. ^ "Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Official Box Office". Phoenix Theatre, London. Archived from the original on September 21, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
    10. ^ Rice, Lynette (September 20, 2023). "'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' Reveals Full Cast For World Premiere In London's West End". Deadline. Archived from the original on September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
    11. ^ "Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow". Netflix Media Center. Retrieved May 30, 2025.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
    12. ^ Martin, Justin (June 17, 2025). "Theatrical hitmaker Justin Martin on Prima Facie's follow-up: 'It wrestles with how to bring up boys'". The Guardian (Interview). Interviewed by Lawson, Mark. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
    13. ^ Huston, Caitlin (August 6, 2024). "Netflix's 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' to Open on Broadway in Spring 2025". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved August 6, 2024.
    14. ^ "Stranger Things: The First Shadow – Broadway", Playbill. Retrieved 1 April 2025
    15. ^ Bitran, Tara (December 4, 2024). "Meet the Broadway Cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow Play". Netflix.
    16. ^ "Cast & Creative - Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Official Site". uk.strangerthingsonstage.com/. Archived from the original on August 10, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
    17. ^ "Cast & Creative - Stranger Things: The First Shadow | Official Site". Stranger Things On Stage. Archived from the original on May 20, 2025. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
    18. ^ "Cast & Creative - Stranger Things: The First Shadow US | March 2025". broadway.strangerthingsonstage.com/. Retrieved March 28, 2025.
    19. ^ The London Standard (April 9, 2025). London theatre Stranger Things: The First Shadow Behind the Scenes with Louis Healy. Retrieved June 22, 2025 – via YouTube.
    20. ^ WestEndTheatre (November 6, 2024). "Louis Healy in Stranger Things: The First Shadow | West End Theatre". www.westendtheatre.com. Retrieved June 17, 2025.
    21. ^ "Full casting announced for Stranger Things: The First Shadow at the West End's Phoenix Theatre | West End Theatre". www.westendtheatre.com. September 25, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
    22. ^ "Olivier awards 2024: complete list of nominations". The Guardian. March 12, 2024. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved March 12, 2024.
    23. ^ "Nominations in full: 24th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards". December 7, 2023. Archived from the original on December 9, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
    24. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (May 16, 2025). "Nicole Scherzinger Wins Distinguished Performance at 2025 Drama League Awards; Read the Full Winners List". Playbill. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
    25. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (April 30, 2025). "Boop! Leads 2025 Drama Desk Award Nominations With 11 Nods Including Outstanding Musical; Read the Full List Here". Playbill. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
    26. ^ Culwell-Block, Logan (May 12, 2025). "Maybe Happy Ending Leads 2025 Outer Critics Circle Awards; See the Full List of Winners". Playbill. Retrieved May 12, 2025.
    Credit: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stranger_Things:_The_First_Shadow

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