*SPOILERS AHEAD*
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” began its Broadway run in April 2025 at the Marquis Theatre following a successful run in London’s West End. The play is acclaimed for its outstanding visual spectacle, having won four Tony Awards in 2025 for Scenic Design, Lighting Design and Sound Design, in addition to a special award for illusions and technical effects. After 10 years, the “Stranger Things” television show concluded with the final episode of its fifth season premiering on Netflix on Dec. 31, 2025, leaving many fans feeling there were holes that needed to be filled. Since it’s end, fans have been wondering how relevant “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is to the show, and whether it can fill in some of those holes.
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is set in 1959, 25 years before the events of Episode 1 of “Stranger Things,” focusing mainly on Henry Creel’s backstory. The Creel family had just moved from Nevada to Hawkins, Indiana, looking for a fresh start after an “incident” occurred between Henry and another child in their old town. Henry is in the early days of learning to grapple with his psychokinetic powers, which are clearly disturbing and tormenting him.
We follow Henry during his first day at Hawkins High School, where fans of the show will see many familiar faces. Although Henry struggles to connect with his peers, he is able to form a connection with Patty Newby, daughter of the school’s principal and one of the few original characters in the production. The two meet at the first rehearsal for the play that Joyce Maldonado, who viewers will know as Joyce Byers, is putting on at the school. The development of Henry and Patty’s relationship through the school play and the exploration of Henry’s powers serve as the primary plots for the show. We also follow a young Joyce, Jim Hopper and Bob Newby as they investigate the mysterious killings of pets around town.
In terms of where “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” fits into the bigger “Stranger Things” universe, much of the play focuses on the backstory of the “Upside Down” and the progression of Henry’s powers. While we don’t get to see Henry with his powers from day one, the play does clarify that the man in the cave from Season 5 is in fact from Hawkins Lab, and that the substance in his briefcase is what gave Henry his powers.
The play shows Henry learning to use radio static to journey through the void and manipulate aspects of the physical world. We also see communication between Henry and the Mind Flayer, with specific emphasis on just how much control the Mind Flayer really has over Henry’s mind. Finally, viewers are given an explanation for why Henry kills his family, as seen in Season 4.
Perhaps most importantly, the second act reveals the origins of Henry’s relationship with Dr. Brenner, as well as some of Brenner’s backstory. The second act explains why Henry has a connection to the Mind Flayer and the Upside Down, and how Brenner uses him to create the program that Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is a part of in the show.
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is a truly jaw-dropping production that had me both on the edge of my seat with anticipation and cowering in fear. The visuals are unmatched to any stage production that I have ever seen, and the talent within such a young cast is astounding. Whether you’re looking for answers or just trying to fill the “Stranger Things” shaped void in your life, I think the play is worth your time. It’s more than just three well-curated hours of fan service; it’s a boundary-breaking example of what live theater can be.
