THEATRE REVIEW: "Stranger Things: the First Shadow" at the Marquis Theatre (New York, NY)

 

     On the moderately warm afternoon of July 2nd, 2025, I saw a performance of the jaw-dropping Broadway spectacle "Stranger Things: the First Shadow" at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.  I won the ticket lottery for the performance the day before, and it became the perfect 40th Birthday present from my mom.  By that, I don't mean I received 40 gifts.  I mean that the present was in honor of me turning 40.  Incidentally, I've probably received far more than 40 gifts...








   "Stranger Things: the First Shadow" is a prequel of the Netflix show "Stranger Things."  It takes place in 1959 in Hawkins, Indiana when a young Henry Creel and his family move there for a fresh start.  It doesn't take long before things go wrong.  This is a play full of amazing set designs and visual effects.  There are also frightening moments along with funny ones (occasional sad moments, too).   












     At the performance of "Stranger Things: the First Shadow" that I saw, the cast included Rosie Benton (Virginia Creel), Alex Breaux (Dr. Brenner), Ta'Rea Campbell (Patty's Mom), Patrick Scott McDermott (Bob Newby), Robert T. Cunningham (Charles Sinclair), Alana Cymone (Sue Anderson), Ian Dolley (Walter Henderson), Dora Dolphin (Karen Childress), Logan Gould (Lonnie Byers), Shea Grant (Claudia Yount), Andrew Hovelson (Principal Newby), Alison Jaye (Joyce Maldonado), T.R. Knight (Victor Creel), Ted Koch (Chief Hopper/Captain Brenner), Azalea Wolfe (Alice Creele), Jamie Martin Mann (Ted Wheeler), Louis McCartney (Henry Creel), Gabrielle Nevaeh (Patty Newby), Burke Swanson (James Hopper, Jr.), and Eric Wiegand (Alan Munson).  The production featured scenic design by Miriam Buether, with illusions and visual effects designed by James Harrison and Chris Fisher.












     While the entire cast did a great job, I thought Louis McCartney gave a particularly spectacular performance as Henry Creel.  I also thought Gabrielle Nevaeh performed exceptionally well as Patty Newby. This was the third time I saw Ta'Rea Campbell in a show. I also saw her as Nala in the Broadway Production of "The Lion King," and then as Deloris Van Cartier in the First National Tour of "Sister Act: the musical." Her role as Patty's Mom in "Stranger Things: the First Shadow" was more complex than the previous two, and my favorite time seeing her in a show so far.




 







     Looking back, I must say the last couple years have been full of stunning Broadway Productions on the Great White Way.  Though it had been six months since I had last seen a show, it felt like I had just been to one.  I'm absolutely thrilled that I got to see "Stranger Things: the First Shadow."  When watching the Netflix Series "Stranger Things," I never imagined a prequel would Premiere in the West End, then cross the pond shortly thereafter.  Kate Trefry, the playwright of "Stranger Things: the First Shadow," has created something amazing.  I look forward to seeing her next play.  








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