Review: ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow,’ starring Louis McCartney, on Broadway

Louis McCartney in ‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow.’ Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman.

Tony-nominated actor Louis McCartney stars as Henry Creel in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” which is being performed on Broadway’s Marquis Theatre.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” won a total of three Tony Awards (out of five nominations), which made it the most Tony award-winning play of the year. These includes wins for “Best Scenic Design of a Play,” “Best Lighting Design of a Play,” and “Best Sound Design of a Play.”

The synopsis is: Before the world turned upside down. In 1959, Hawkins, is a regular town with regular worries.

Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister Patty (Gabrielle Nevaeh) 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 (Louis McCartney) arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.

The play was written by Kate Trefry from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry. This is a prequel to the events of the hit Netflix TV series “Stranger Things.”

This stage production of “Stranger Things” was directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin.

The play redefines and expands the “Stranger Things” universe by juxtaposing an origin story with interesting new storylines for the popular characters, which dedicated fans are bound to find appealing; moreover, its musical score is stirring and haunting.

The special effects in the show (especially one in the first 10 minutes) are absolutely spectacular, and they help elevate this Broadway production to a higher level.

The Verdict

Overall, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is a high-octane, immersive, refreshing, and engaging theatrical experience that audiences will never forget.

Louis McCartney is commanding in every scene he is in as Henry Creel, and his acting runs the gamut.

The crowd will be drenched in a wide spectrum of raw emotions thanks to his transformative acting performance, which would make Jamie Campbell Bower (the original actor who plays Henry in the show) proud. Gabrielle Nevaeh is vibrant, optimistic, and appealing as Patty.

Every single actor in the cast brings something special to this show, and they all help knock it out of the ballpark. Prepare to be blown away with this innovative stage spectacle.

This stage iteration does a solid job in capturing the essence of the “Stranger Things” TV show, as it blends the genres of suspense, mystery, drama, thriller, and horror with comedy, fantasy and supernatural; moreover, it will sustain the audience’s attention for its entire duration (and they might even have to close their eyes occasionally).

It is the quintessential Broadway show to watch as the whole world patiently awaits for Season 5 (and final season) of “Stranger Things” to premiere on Netflix on November 26th.

The audience will feel as if they are in Hawkins, Indiana, along with the “Stranger Things” cast. This show pushes the envelope, and it is the feel-good escapism we all need. “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” garners an A rating. Bravo.