“Stranger Things: The First Shadow may just be the best production, visually speaking, to ever hit Broadway—well in this universe, anyway.”
PlayOriginal
PLAYORIGINALNOW PLAYING
Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Marquis Theatre · 2h 45m · Opened Apr 22, 2025 · Closes Jan 3, 2027
Critics' Take
Critics find this prequel a spectacular technical achievement with jaw-dropping effects, but opinions split sharply on whether the convoluted story and sensory overload justify the three-hour runtime—fans rejoice, skeptics feel exhausted.
Critic Scorecard
34 reviewsSort:
“And with this supernatural wonder, they succeed.”
“I really enjoyed the show and highly recommend Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
“Herding all of it into a smashing piece of entertainment is director Daldry (The Inheritance, Billy Elliot: The Musical) and his co-director and frequent collaborator Justin Martin (Prima Facie), who funnel all the moving parts, colors, smoke, mirrors and monsters into a non-stop thrill ride.”
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow, now at the Marquis after an Olivier-winning run in London, is the most spectacular, fun show on the Main Stem in many years and will scare the crap out of you.”
Audience Scorecard
9.1K audience reviews
A+
Loving It
Awards Scorecard
2024-25 season61
Honored
Won Best Scenic Design (Play) + 2 more
Outer Critics:3 wins / 7 nomsDrama Desk:3 wins / 5 nomsDrama League:2 noms
Box Office Scorecard
source · Broadway League, publicweek of 8/2/2026 · rank #15 on Broadway
2.8% market sharethis wk
This Week
All Time
Showtimes
This Week(Aug 10–16)
Get Tickets from $62
Schedule via bwayrush.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What do critics say about Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
Critics find this prequel a spectacular technical achievement with jaw-dropping effects, but opinions split sharply on whether the convoluted story and sensory overload justify the three-hour runtime—fans rejoice, skeptics feel exhausted. (CriticScore 65/100 from 34 reviews.)
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow worth seeing?
Probably, if the material interests you. Critics say Stranger Things: The First Shadow is worth seeing (65/100 from 34 reviews) — it works best if the premise or cast appeals to you.
What is the CriticScore for Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow has a CriticScore of 65/100 based on 34 professional reviews. This is rated "Worth Seeing".
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow still running on Broadway?
Yes, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is currently playing at Marquis Theatre on Broadway. It is scheduled to close on January 3, 2027.
Where is Stranger Things: The First Shadow playing on Broadway?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is playing at Marquis Theatre, located at 210 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036.
How long is Stranger Things: The First Shadow?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow has a runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes, including 1 intermission.
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow appropriate for children?
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is recommended for Ages 12+.
Theater Scorecard
Typical VenueThe Marquis Theatre offers excellent comfort with spacious seating and good sightlines from most areas, although the ambiance is somewhat lacking due to its modern, hotel-integrated design. Facilities are well-equipped with ample restrooms and concessions, making it a convenient choice for theatergoers.
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Opens 10 AM ET day before, closes 2 PM ET. Winners notified within minutes.
Enter at lottery.broadwaydirect.com. One entry per day, up to 2 tickets per entry. Winners have 60 minutes to claim and pay.
Enter on Broadway DirectBox Office Rush
10 AM Monday-Saturday, 12 PM Sunday
Marquis Theatre box office (210 W 46th St)
In person, first-come first-served. Up to 2 tickets per person for that day's performance.
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Current Cast
- Justin AdamsOther RolesBroadway debut
- Ben AshcraftAlan MunsonBroadway debut
- Rosie BentonVirginia Creel
- Janie BrookshireOther Roles
- Kelsey Anne BrownOther RolesBroadway debut
- Malcolm CallenderOther RolesBroadway debut
- Juan CarlosBob Newby
- Lia ChristinaAlice CreelBroadway debut, Alternate
Original Broadway Cast
- Rosie BentonVirginia Creel
- Alex BreauxDr. Brenner
- Janie BrookshireOther Roles
- Kelsey Anne BrownOther RolesBroadway debut
- Malcolm CallenderOther RolesBroadway debut
- Ta'Rea CampbellPatty's Mom
- Juan CarlosBob NewbyBroadway debut
- Antoinette ComerOther Roles
Notable Replacements
- Justin AdamsOther RolesBroadway debut
- Ben AshcraftAlan MunsonBroadway debut
- Juan CarlosBob Newby
- Lia ChristinaAlice CreelBroadway debut, Alternate
- Lauren Nicole CipolettiOther Roles
- John Patrick CollinsLonnie Byers
- Ayana CymonePatty Newby
- Victor de Paula RochaHenry Creel
Creative Team
- Stephen DaldryDirector
- Kate TrefryPlaywright
- D.J. WaldeMusic Supervision
Quick Facts
- CriticScore
- 65/100 (34 reviews)
- Status
- Now Playing
- Opened
- Apr 22, 2025
- Closes
- Jan 3, 2027
- Running
- 1+ year on Broadway
- Runtime
- 2h 45m
- Intermissions
- 1
- Age
- Ages 12+
- Synopsis
- Hawkins, 1959: A regular American town where nothing strange happens. Until a young student arrives, fleeing the horrors of childhood, and everything changes. The prequel to the hit Netflix series.
- Data Last Updated
- August 11, 2026
