STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW Marks Broadway Box Office Launch With Retro Ticket Deal

If you ever wondered how Stranger Things might look unfolding on a live stage, you’re about to find out. The Broadway transfer of STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW will begin performances on 28 March at the Marquis Theatre, with an official opening set for 22 April. Anticipation is already sky-high, but the buzz is set to go off the charts on 7 February, the date of the production’s special Box Office opening event. To mark the occasion, the team behind the show has partnered with Raising Cane’s to offer $19.59 tickets—an on-the-nose homage to the year in which the play is set. If queueing for a taste of Hawkins, Indiana in 1959 appeals to you, read on for what you can expect from this nostalgic, spine-tingling stage adventure.

A Box Office Bash Like No Other

In a town as saturated with theatre as New York City, it takes something truly special to stand out. That’s why STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is pulling out all the stops with its February 7 Box Office launch. Between 10 AM and 12 PM, the first 400 people in line at the Marquis Theatre can snap up tickets for just $19.59 each. Keeping the ticket price pegged to “1959” is a playful nod to the show’s mid-century setting—before Eleven, demogorgons, and flickering neon lights ever disturbed Hawkins’s cosy façade.

Those who show up won’t just be vying for discounted tickets. They’ll also be entered into a lottery for a grand prize that includes two tickets to opening night, free Raising Cane’s for an entire year, and a curated prize pack of goodies from both STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW and Raising Cane’s. Plus, the first 200 individuals in line will receive an exclusive branded hat, while all purchasers that day take home a commemorative button. Even if you’re not one of the lucky 400 (or 200), there will be additional giveaways courtesy of Broadway Plus to keep the atmosphere electrifying.

Delving Into The 1959 World Of Hawkins

Part of the charm behind Stranger Things on television is its 1980s nostalgia—retro bikes, walkie-talkies, and neon arcades. This time, however, the clock winds back to 1959. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW explores the origins of one of the series’ most pivotal characters: Henry Creel, destined to become the sinister ruler of the Upside Down. The story, pieced together from an original concept by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Kate Trefry, lets fans step into an earlier era of Hawkins, Indiana. It’s a place where malt shops stand in for the Starcourt Mall, and the horrors lurking beneath the town’s placid surface are only just starting to stir.

The year 1959 underscores a key thematic shift from the show’s usual 1980s setting, promising a fresh aesthetic for fans. Whether you’re in it for the poodle skirts or the vintage soundtrack, the production team has gone all-in on the retro atmosphere. This shift not only helps expand the Stranger Things universe but also allows the creative team to toy with new illusions, lighting, and set designs that reflect a more nostalgic, pastel-hued Hawkins—one that is on the verge of confronting unimaginable darkness.

The Star-Studded Cast Taking Centre Stage

Heading up the cast is Louis McCartney, reprising his West End performance as the young and troubled Henry Creel. Television viewers may recall Henry (in his adult form) as the backbone of the show’s more menacing plotlines, but the stage play allows a closer look at how he came to harness terrifying powers. Accompanying Henry are his parents Victor Creel (played by T.R. Knight) and Virginia Creel (portrayed by Rosie Benton). Rounding out the family dynamic is an intriguing twist: we’ll witness how this seemingly ordinary household unravels and sets the stage for all the Upside Down mayhem to come.

Yet the play isn’t just about the Creels. Early versions of well-loved characters Bob Newby and Jim Hopper also make appearances in the form of their teenage selves. Juan Carlos is Bob, while Burke Swanson portrays James Hopper, Jr. Meanwhile, Alison Jaye tackles a high school incarnation of Joyce Maldonado (known as Joyce Byers in the Netflix series). Those who followed Stranger Things from the start will likely relish the chance to see how these everyday heroes first formed their quirks and friendships. In essence, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW aims to deepen the personal histories of the Hawkins residents we’ve come to adore—or fear.

From West End Success To Broadway Spotlight

London’s Phoenix Theatre has already experienced the phenomenon of STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW. Since 2023, the production’s UK run drew in capacity crowds, earning accolades and winning two Olivier Awards, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Set Design. Given the West End success, a Broadway transfer almost felt inevitable, and it’s finally here.

Throughout the British run, official sources remained tight-lipped about plot details, keen to keep the show’s biggest surprises hidden. After all, Stranger Things thrives on secrets that unravel slowly, peppered with mind-bending twists. Judging by the Olivier wins, London audiences appreciated this reticence—apparently, the less you know going in, the more exhilarating the reveals.

The Visionary Creative Team

Much of the production’s acclaim can be traced back to the show’s powerhouse creative team. STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is penned by Kate Trefry, stepping into theatre writing after her success as a screenwriter for the Netflix series. Directing duties fall to Stephen Daldry, known for helming complex and emotive works, alongside co-director Justin Martin. On the technical side, the production boasts contributions from some of theatre’s most respected designers: Miriam Buether (set design), Brigitte Reiffenstuel (costume), Jon Clark (lighting), and Paul Arditti(sound). With illusions and visual effects by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher, and additional video design by the esteemed team at 59, the illusions are poised to be a major talking point.

Adding to the spectacle is the original music by D.J. Walde, who not only composed but also orchestrated and arranged the show’s score. Movement director Lynne Page and choreographer Coral Messam bring an extra layer of fluidity to scenes that promise to blur the lines between dream and nightmare. Bringing these diverse components together as producers are Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions, with the Duffer Brothers themselves serving as creative producers. The ever-present question is: can they recreate the moody tension, the heartfelt relationships, and the supernatural dread that made Stranger Things a smash hit? All signs suggest a resounding yes.

The Magic of the Stage Adaptation

Some fans may wonder how Stranger Things—with its demogorgons, alternate dimensions, and epic showdowns—can be effectively translated to the stage. But if the West End run is any indicator, the behind-the-scenes magic is every bit as enthralling as the Netflix series. Part of that magic rests in illusions that captivate the audience’s imagination, particularly with 1959’s more subdued, yet eerily chilling, backdrop. The creative team’s knack for using lighting and special effects to convey the Upside Down’s eerie presence allows viewers to slip into the eerie dreamscape that is Hawkins.

A fascinating aspect of this adaptation is how Kate Trefry managed to shape the cinematic elements into a live production. Known for episodes of the Netflix show that lean heavily on emotional beats, Trefry had never written a play prior to STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW. Yet she embraced theatre’s more intimate nature, developing the Creels’ family dynamic and the teenage relationships in Hawkins with a depth that’s sometimes tricky to convey on screen. As a result, audiences can expect to witness the emotional undercurrents that often define Stranger Things—the heartbreak, the loyalty, and the fear of being misunderstood—now filtered through live performances.

A Theatrical Universe Worth Exploring

For those who worry this might be a quick cash-in on a beloved TV franchise, the critical reception in London says otherwise. Two Olivier Awards speak to the high production values and compelling narrative that push STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW beyond mere fan service. Even theatre-goers with only a passing familiarity of the Netflix series have been drawn in by the mystery, the family drama, and the period-specific setting. In many ways, this is a show that stands on its own, with the Stranger Things branding acting as an enticing entry point.

One of the production’s biggest draws is the chance to see how Henry Creel evolves into a menacing figure. The Netflix series gives us glimpses of his later life, but here, audiences can witness the seeds of that transformation. Meanwhile, those cameo appearances of teenage Joyce, Bob, and Hopper hint at the complicated journeys each character will undertake once we return to the 1980s timeline. It’s an intriguing puzzle piece that fans didn’t realise they needed until now.

Into The Upside Down

Between the imaginative staging and the thorough exploration of Hawkins’s early days, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW offers a unique brand of theatrical spectacle. The decision to treat fans to $19.59 tickets on 7 February captures the show’s playful spirit—one that merges vintage style with 21st-century enthusiasm. While many will flock to the Marquis Theatre for the discounted ticket deal and exclusive prizes, they’ll likely leave even more intrigued by the mysteries of Hawkins in 1959.

If you’re a theatre enthusiast with a soft spot for the supernatural, or simply a Stranger Things devotee who wants more backstory on these beloved characters, this show might just be your perfect entry into the Upside Down. Expect awe-inspiring set pieces, illusions that’ll make your skin tingle, and a compelling drama anchored by a talented cast. As the Duffer Brothers continue to expand their ever-growing universe, the stage has become another realm for telling stories that are alternately heartwarming and hair-raising.

Racing into Hawkins

Ultimately, STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW is more than a novelty; it’s a careful examination of how one boy’s life can ripple outward, shaping the fates of an entire town—and eventually, multiple dimensions. By blending 1950s small-town nostalgia with supernatural intrigue, the production underscores Stranger Things’ ability to reinvent itself in fresh, unexpected ways. And with the promise of a grand Box Office celebration, the door is wide open for newcomers and longtime fans alike. So, whether you’re hoping to nab that retro-priced ticket or simply can’t wait to see Hawkins light up the Great White Way, now’s the time to stake your spot in line. Get ready—because once the lights go down and the first strange shadow falls, Hawkins, Indiana will never be the same again.