"Stranger Things" has made its grand entrance onto Broadway, as Tuesday evening heralded the debut of "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" in New York, following its triumphant run in London's West End. Penned by Kate Trefry, who also contributes to the Netflix series, this stage production serves as a captivating prequel to the television events, transporting audiences to Hawkins in 1959. It showcases high school iterations of beloved characters, including Winona Ryder's Joyce, Sean Astin's Bob Newby, and David Harbour's Hopper. Their tranquil high school days are disrupted by the arrival of Henry Creel, a newcomer introduced in the previous season, who embarks on experimenting with mysterious newfound abilities.
The Duffer Brothers, the show's creators, executive produced the theatrical endeavor and hinted at its intricate ties to the upcoming fifth and final season of the TV show. Shawn Levy, who directs and executive produces the series, elaborated, "You're about to forge a fresh, deeply empathetic bond with these characters you adored but will now comprehend even more profoundly." He further reflected, "Witnessing this production in London enriched my directorial approach for the final season, as I returned to these characters with a heightened empathy and understanding."
Speaking of that final season, poised for a Netflix release this year, several cast members gathered to celebrate the play's opening, among them Noah Schnapp, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Jamie Campbell Bower, Cara Buono, Matt Modine, Brett Gelman, and Priah Ferguson. Schnapp, experiencing the play for the first time, teased that viewers would be "utterly heartbroken" upon witnessing the final season unfold. "Despite the sadness, I'm thrilled to see the world's reaction to the finale. Not a dry eye in sight; it's going to be poignant," he continued, jesting, "Not to be a downer, but it's a fantastic season that people will adore."
Ross Duffer also offered glimpses into the forthcoming episodes, stating, "This marks the conclusion of a lengthy journey for everyone involved in making the show and for its characters alike. It's exhilarating and our fastest start ever — our heroes spring into action immediately. Yet, I hope it becomes our most emotionally charged season. The final episodes aim to strike a chord deeply, as they encapsulate the end of our collective journey and the twilight of childhood."
On the final day of filming, Levy was overwhelmed with a bittersweet blend of relief and reluctance to bid farewell, reminiscing, "We were acutely aware that this marked the close of a chapter. While each of us may embark on grand and triumphant journeys ahead, the privilege of being part of 'Stranger Things' has been an immense blessing beyond measure. Such an experience is unparalleled and unrepeatable; we are keenly conscious of this, cherishing it all the more deeply."
