Broadway's Marquis Theatre is now hosting Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a stage prequel to the popular Netflix series, which opened on Tuesday night. The play introduces familiar characters in a different format, blending elements of nostalgia with new theatrical effects. Kate Trefry, who penned the production, shared with ABC7NY, "You're always, like, safe on your couch. And so playing with that lack of boundary in the theater, it's been really exciting."
While the play stands independently from the source material, 'Stranger Things' aficionados are teased with clues to the upcoming season of the series as per Burke Swanson, who embodies James Hopper Jr. Audiences are invited into Hawkins, Ind., of the 1950s, witnessing the backstory of Vecna, known as Henry Creel in his teenage years, along with new and known characters alike. According to The New York Times, the play is filled with Easter eggs and references likely to appeal to fans.
The production is large in scale, featuring a cast of 34. The theater is filled with shared reactions from the audience, which co-director Justin Martin described as a collective reminder that "We're in it together," as he shared in an interview with ABC7NY. While the show incorporates impressive technological elements, such as battleship scenes and infra-bass effects, it has also faced criticism for lacking the emotional depth that allowed the original series to connect with viewers on a more personal level.
'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' not only marks an expansion of the franchise into new areas but also sets a new standard for technical stagecraft. The teams responsible for effects, including Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher known for their work on 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' have earned praise for their integration of illusion and video design. This effort, as The New York Times points out, manages to bring the dark otherworldly aspects of 'Stranger Things' to life, despite occasional moments that might feel slightly exaggerated.
For theatergoers, whether familiar with the TV series or not, 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' offers an engaging introduction to the story's universe. Rosie Benton, portraying Virginia Creel, told ABC7NY, "You've never seen 'Stranger Things,' you can come see this and just be completely absorbed into it." She added, "You don't need to know anything."
