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
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Tickets starting at
$64.83
$64.85
$64.90
$64.99
$65.00
chevron 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 (113)

4.8
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Score average from verified show reviews by customers who’ve bought tickets from Broadway.com.
Showing all reviews
order
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Phenomenal!
"There was good reason this show took home so many Tonys! It was phenomenal! The creativity and quality of the set and the immersive atmosphere were above and beyond. There were a few times I literally jumped and made audible gasps, and neither are typically standard for me! In contrast, there were many moments of laughter as well. Some kids (and maybe some adults) may find it to have scenes that are too scary or disturbing, so keep that in mind; Nothing you wouldn’t see in the show - just more real being that you’re seeing it in person as opposed to on a screen. My companions and I enjoyed it tremendously and wished we could turn around and watch it again at the 7pm showing! We would all very highly recommend it!!! Amazing job everyone!!! 👏 "
...
Read more
Shannon M from Lake George on Jun 17, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
An epic showdown in Hawkins!
"Incredible story, fantastic chemistry, electric visuals. Overall an unbelievably good show. An absolute must see! Everything about it was perfect. "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 16, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
We Couldn't Stop Smiling!!
"From start to finish, this show absolutely riveted our entire family!! I chose this show since my son (12yo) isn't a traditional "broadway" fan, so I wanted to attend a show he would find interesting. He exclaimed, "THAT WAS AWESOME!" as we walked out of the theater. It has been 5 days since we saw the show and we are still raving about it. I never knew special effects could be so elaborate on stage. The plot and actors were sublime. We honestly are thinking of flying back to NYC to see it again!! So incredible! "
...
Read more
Sheevani I from Parker on Jun 16, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Shocking
"The effects, the atmosphere, the tension were all so real and so intense. Just a mind blowing experience. And the actors particularly the lead were amazing"
...
Read more
Jeremy L from Huntington Station on Jun 15, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
If you love Stanger Things this show is a must see.
"This show was amazing. The special effects are over the top and the story works right into the series. I think small children may find some parts frightening, but I would say that about the series as well so should not come as a surprise. Amazing performance and am glad we were able to see it while we were here."
...
Read more
Winston C from Havre on Jun 13, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Unbelievably Good!
"I was so engrossed with the story from beginning to end! This was an amazing experience and I highly recommend it."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 13, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
An Experience!!!!
"Great production!!! Special effects, acting, humor and energy was off the charts!!!! I’ve been to hundreds of Broadway plays and I’ve never experienced anything like this show!!! Very very entertaining!!!! And a few surprises along the way!!!"
...
Read more
peter m from Jersey city on Jun 12, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Best show I have seen!
"I took my husband to see the Broadway show because he's a fan of the series. It was the best show we have seen thus far! The plot and characters were fantastic. It provided insight into the past how it all began and tied nicely with the show's ending. "
...
Read more
Vanessa Q from Pompano Beach on Jun 11, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Amazing and unpredictably awesome!
"This show was superb! It was a perfect prequel to the show. Absolutely loved it. On the edge of my seat. Hopper, Joyce, Bob, and Henry were the BEST!"
...
Read more
Tara B from Tampa on Jun 9, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Rewatch season 4 before you go!
"I went to see this with a large group. Everyone in the group who completed the series and could recall the events of season 4 LOVED the show. Those that hadn’t completed the series felt a bit lost, but still were enthralled with the special effects anyway. My 12 year old was with me and loved it. Some of the adult humor was over her head, but she asked to go see it again! I highly recommend for fans of the Netflix series see the Broadway show! "
...
Read more
Elizabeth G from Blackwood on Jun 9, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
The best thing since harry potter.
"This has to be one of the best shows I have seen. From effects to storytelling, this is a must see, regardless of someone being a stranger things fan. You WILL see things that amaze you, that you cannot explain."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 9, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Stranger things!!!!
"The show was amazing. The visuals were out of this world. The play draws you in and transports you to the world of the upside down. I am a stranger things fan and this play just added to my Fandom. If you are thinking about it, just book the tickets because you won't regret it."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 9, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Amazing!
"Fantastic acting with unbelievable special effects! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 9, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Phenomenal show!
"My 12-year-old daughter and I loved the show. She said it was the best Broadway show she’s ever seen and we have seen quite a few. We both thoroughly enjoyed the show and wish we can see it again!! The special effects were amazing! "
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 8, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Amazing Actors
"We liked the whole show start to finish, Victor & Henry Creel were amazingly talented along with the other cast."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 8, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Exceeded my expectations!
"Anyone who is a fan of Stanger Things and possibly others who are not familiar with it would love this. It is basically a prequel, explaining the origins, of the upside down world as well as the relationships between some of the adult characters. My 16 y/o grand daughter wanted to see it and I had very low expectations, but from the opening scene we were at the edge of our seats. "
...
Read more
Donnamarie B from Ridgefield on Jun 8, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
AMAZING!! FANTASTIC!! DEFINITELY A MUST SEE!!
"Stranger Things was absolutely Fantastic! If you love watching the series like we do, you will definitely enjoy this production. From the actors to the special effects to the story line, everything about it was truly AMAZING. Definitely a must see! However due to the nature of loud noises, special effects, and mature language, I would not recommend seeing this production if you have children under the age of 12 or who may be sensitive to loud noises, lightings or special effects. "
...
Read more
Katherine D from Bronx on Jun 8, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Stranger Things prequel
"The main character who played Henry really hit out of the park for me. Also, loved the guy playing Dr. Benner. Maybe, I am just into villains. The special effects alone are well worth the price of admission. If you like Stranger Things on Netflix this is for you."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 5, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Review
" Stranger Things Broadway show was absolutely incredible! Hands down the best show I’ve ever seen! So powerful, emotional, and brilliantly produced. If you’re a fan of the series, this is an absolute must-see! "
...
Read more
Shaked G from ???????? on Jun 4, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Absolutely fantastic!
"The performance was off the charts! The stage production was surprisingly over the top in the most wonderful way! The use of technology incorporated was brilliant! Love love love!!!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 4, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Amazing!!
"We went to London show and NYC and it was like seeing it for the first time again although slightly different it was incredible!!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 2, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Really amazing
"I really enjoyed the entire show—it felt like watching a movie packed with special effects, but with the added excitement of it being a live performance."
...
Read more
Alejandro V from Medellin on Jun 2, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Amazing acting
"Took my grandson as he is a big fan of the Stranger Things series. We both love it. When most broadway shows are musicals, it’s refreshing to also see classical theatre on the big stages "
...
Read more
Mark R from Plantation on Jun 1, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Nothing short of amazing
"I cannot say enough about this show. It was amazing. I teared up so many times during it with emotion and cried when it was over. It was so beautiful. The acting was also amazing - especially for the stand in actor portraying Henry Creel. I highly recommend seeing it if you’re a ST fan. I wanted to see it again as soon as it ended!"
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 1, 2025
star rating star rating star rating star rating star rating
Special Effects Masterpiece...
"If you like the Stranger Things franchise then this is a must-see. The origin story, special effects and acting is hands down top-notch. Maybe not the best show for younger audiences due to profanity, scare tactics and very loud special effects audio."
...
Read more
Broadway.com Customer on Jun 1, 2025
Viewing 1-25 of 113
next

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.

Back to Top