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Louis – he pronounces it Louie – McCartney had only recently learned the name of the young actor who, 28 years before McCartney was born in Northern Ireland, won the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play, becoming the youngest to ever do so. “It was something ‘First,’” McCartney tells me, and, prompted, I say Firth. Peter Firth, for Equus.

“Yes,” McCartney responds excitedly. “Peter Firth, 1975!”

Now, 50 years after Firth’s historic win at just 21 years old, McCartney is up for the same award at the same age for his powerful, funny and terrifying performance in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. A newcomer to the stage, McCartney, a strikingly quirky looking young man has just the slightest resemblance to a Beatle with whom he doesn’t share a name – the young Ringo Starr.

McCartney’s unassuming looks are perfect for Henry Creel, the lead role and major driver of the spooky and...

If you were a '90s kid, or even just happened to be alive during the decade, chances are you are very familiar with R. L. Stine. An entire generation grew up on his "Goosebumps" books, and an entire generation of parents bought them for their kids. But while the "Goosebumps" novels and the Ytv television adaptation became a cultural phenomenon and shaped kids' early understanding of horror, that was far from Stine's only contribution to the genre overall.

The writer pumped out a frankly unbelievable amount of books aimed at multiple demographics, to the extent that Stephen King himself would go as wild as Jack Torrance were he to compare bibliographies. PBS put the total number of Stine novels at more than 350 in 2024, but other tallies reveal more than 500 books bearing the author's name. It's tricky because, despite his protestations, Stine has been accused of using ghostwriters, most notably...

Well, big weekly grosses and even bigger stars can’t guarantee a Tony Awards nomination.

Broadway does what Broadway wants, so no Best Play nominations (or anything else) for huge moneymaker Othello, and no Best Play noms for Good Night, and Good Luck, Stranger Things: The First Shadow and The Picture of Dorian Gray. Same for the critical favorite Cult of Love.

While Good Night and Dorian Gray weren’t nominated for Best Play, their big stars — George Clooney and Sarah Snook, respectively — were nominated for their performances, as expected. In fact, Dorian Gray, in which Snook plays all the characters from the Oscar Wilde novel, has the distinction of being the most nominated solo show in Tony history, placing in six categories: Snook’s performance, Kip Williams’ direction, and nods for scenic, lighting, sound and costume design.

Related: Broadway’s 2024-2025 Season: All Of Deadline’s Reviews

Perhaps the...

The Tony Awards Administration Committee met for the fourth and final time this season to determine the eligibility status of 12 Broadway productions ahead of the 2025 Tony Awards nominations on Thursday. In addition to confirming the status of several writers, some hotly competitive performers are swapping acting categories.

The productions discussed today were: Good Night, and Good Luck; Boop! The Musical; The Last Five Years; Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends; Smash; John Proctor Is a Villain; Floyd Collins; Stranger Things: The First Shadow; Pirates! The Penzance Musical; Just in Time; Real Women Have Curves: The Musical; and Dead Outlaw.

The committee made the following determinations on all requests eligible for consideration:

Heather Gilbert (lighting design) and David Bengali (projection design) will be considered jointly eligible in the Best Lighting Design of a Play category for their work on Good Night, and Good Luck.

Jasmine Amy Rogers will be considered eligible in the...

Broadway’s 2024-25 season got off to a rather fine start, from the wildly popular and hysterically funny Oh, Mary! to the fabulous splash of Death Becomes Her and the wonderful left-field sleeper Maybe Happy Ending, and wrapped up with some equally excellent season closers like Just In Time and Dead Outlaw.

This compendium of Deadline’s Broadway reviews takes a look at all of them. Use it as a guide for your theater-going, or a sneak peek at what this year’s Tony Awards might have in store on Sunday, June 8.

Real Women Have Curves: The Musical

Opening Night: April 27

Venue: Broadway’s James Earl Jones Theatre

Direction & Choreography By: Sergio Trujillo

Book: Lisa Loomer with Nell Benjamin, based on the play by Josefina López and the HBO screenplay by Josefina López and George Lavoo

Music & Lyrics By: Joy Huerta and Benjamin Velez

Cast: Tatianna Córdoba, Justina Machado,...

There’s a moment in Netflix’s behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the streamer’s new “Stranger Things” play in which the majority of a conversation between the play’s director and playwright is bleeped out because it includes too many spoilers about the hit TV series’ upcoming fifth and final season.

It serves as a not-so-subtle response to anyone who had doubts that “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” was a necessary piece of “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer’s master plan for the Upside Down.

But the Duffers will be the first to tell you that, though the show is an integral part of the “Stranger Things” mythology heading into the final season, it wasn’t their idea. It wasn’t even Netflix’s. It was famed director Stephen Daldry’s.

“It didn’t come from Netflix. It wasn’t Netflix’s idea. This was Stephen’s idea,...

Sadie Sink is currently starring on Broadway in the play John Proctor Is The Villain, but she thankfully was able to check out the new Stranger Things play on her night off!

The 22-year-old actress attended a performance of Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Monday night (April 21) at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.

After the show, Sadie visited backstage with the cast and creatives, including writer Kate Trefry and co-director Justin Martin.

The First Shadow takes place in the Stranger Things universe back in 1959 and features younger versions of some of your favorite characters, including Winona Ryder‘s Joyce and David Harbour‘s Hopper.

Get tickets now to catch Stranger Things on Broadway and learn more about the play that Sadie is appearing in right now too.

Walking into Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway, theatergoers are greeted by a giant replica of the Creel house at the center of the Netflix series, plush demogorgons for sale and ominous music from the 1950s playing as signs welcome them to Hawkins, Ind.

“You’re going to be right in front of the Mind Flayer!” an attendee in the front few rows says upon taking his seat at an April preview performance.

The show, which is opening at the Marquis Theatre April 22, comes to New York after opening in London’s West End in December 2023 and marks the streaming giant’s biggest foray onto Broadway to date. For Netflix, bringing this show to the stage allows the streaming giant to connect with the large fandom around one of its most popular series, in the same way the company has been launching immersive experiences around Bridgerton and Squid Game.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow opened on stage in December 2023 in London’s Phoenix Theater under director Jon Halperin. The prequel to the Stranger Things television series reached a new milestone as the cast started performances on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, ahead of an official opening on April 22.

From this milestone comes a behind-the-scenes documentary titled Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, premiering on Netflix on April 15. The film will reveal what went into the stage production that opened on the West End almost two years prior.

Louis McCartney (Henry Creel) in Stranger Things: The First Shadow - photo by Manuel Harlan

The production, written by Kate Trefry and directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin and playwright Jack Thorne, describes the plot as follows:

“In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past.

Netflix will release a documentary about the making of its stage show, Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

The documentary, entitled Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow, will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the play on the West End, where it opened in December 2023. The documentary will premiere on Netflix April 15.

The news comes as Stranger Things: The First Shadow heads into its first Broadway preview Friday at Marriott Marquis Theatre. The show is scheduled to open April 22.

The play, written by Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin, is set up as a prequel to the television series.

The production describes the plot saying: “In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past. Initially, things go well — he finds friendship and joins the school play. But when...

Netflix has teamed up with Sonia Friedman Productions to produce the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is “rooted in the mythology” of the hit streaming series Stranger Things and opened at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End in December of 2023. The show has been breaking box office records and won several awards, and this year, it will be making the jump to Broadway. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre today, Friday, March 28, and officially open on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Now, Variety has learned that a behind-the-scenes documentary called Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to start streaming on Netflix on April 15th.

Directed by Jon Halperin, this documentary is said to be “an electrifying look backstage at the making of the play before it launched in London’s West End in December 2023.” It follows...

With Stranger Things: The First Shadow launching its first preview performance tonight on Broadway, Netflix has announced Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Follow the cast and crew as they race against time to prepare the ambitious, critically acclaimed West End stage play, which opened at London’s Phoenix Theater in December 2023.

Premiering April 15, the documentary is directed by Jon Halperin (A Trip to Infinity).

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is written by Kate Trefry (“Stranger Things”), based on an original story by “Stranger Things” creators the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child), and Trefry.

Serving as a standalone prequel to the hit Netflix series, the Olivier Award-winning play is directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin.

In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past. Initially, things...

On the day of the first preview performance of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” on Broadway, Netflix has announced a new documentary charting the TV phenomenon’s successful adaptation into a hit stage play.

“Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow” — set to premiere on April 15 on the streamer — is billed as “electrifying look backstage” at the making of the play before it launched in London’s West End in December 2023.

From director Jon Halperin, the feature will follow the cast and crew of the first “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” production as they race against time to prepare for its debut at the Phoenix Theater amid mounting anticipation. Alongside sell out performances and critical acclaim, the West End show — from Sonia Friedman Productions and directed by Stephen Daldry alongside Justin Martin — would land two Olivier Awards in 2024, for best entertainment of comedy play and for set design. Producers...

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is an exciting stage play that serves as a prequel to the popular Netflix series, Stranger Things. The play was written by Kate Trefry, based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne, and Trefry. It brings fans back to the past, exploring the origins of some well-known characters from the show.

The play first premiered at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End. It began previews on November 17, 2023, and officially opened on December 14, 2023. The production received great reviews from critics and fans alike.

The show was directed by Stephen Daldry, with Justin Martin as co-director. The creative team included top professionals in set design, costumes, lighting, sound, and visual effects, making the experience truly immersive.

The West End cast featured:

Oscar Lloyd as James Hopper Jr. Isabella Pappas as Joyce Maldonado Chris Buckley as Bob Newby Louis McCartney as Henry Creel Patrick Vaill as Dr.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow astonished the West End, winning the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment. Critics hailed it as “a game-changing experience” (Daily Telegraph) that makes the unimaginable real and “takes theatre to the next dimension” (The Observer). From Netflix and multi-award-winning Broadway producer Sonia Friedman Productions, and directed by three-time Tony Award® winner Stephen Daldry alongside Justin Martin, this pulse-racing new adventure will turn Broadway upside down.

Are monsters born… or made?

In 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past. Initially, things go well — he finds friendship and joins the school play. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes the town, Henry is forced to confront a terrifying truth: is there something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him?

As this thrilling mystery races forward, shadows of the past are unleashed,...

Netflix has teamed up with Sonia Friedman Productions to produce the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is “rooted in the mythology” of the hit streaming series Stranger Things and opened at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End in December of 2023. The show has been breaking box office records and won several awards, and this year, it will be making the jump to Broadway. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. In anticipation of the show’s Broadway debut, Entertainment Weekly has shared a look at the Broadway version of the Mind Flayer creature! You can check it out at the bottom of this article.

A while back, Deadline heard that Stranger Things: The First Shadow “will be the first instalment in a trilogy exploring the dark underbelly of Hawkins,...

We’re about halfway through the 2024-25 Broadway season, and there are eight productions of plays set to open this spring. Could any of them contend at this year’s Tony Awards? Below, find a summary of the plot of each play as well as the author, director, and cast, plus the opening and (where applicable) closing dates.

Sign UPfor Gold Derby’s free newsletter with latest predictions English

Opened: Jan. 23

Closes: March 2

Official synopsis: The comedy unfolds in an Iranian classroom where adult English learners practice for their proficiency exam. As they leapfrog through a linguistic playground, their wildly different dreams, frustrations, and secrets come to light. This production presented by Roundabout Theatre Company follows a successful premiere with off-Broadway’s Atlantic Theatre Company. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Written by Sanaz Toossi

Directed by Knud Adams

Starring Tala Ashe, Ava Lalezarzadeh, Pooya Mohseni, Marjan Neshat, and...

Uncle Si Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame recently became the subject of rumors following a shocking story. The TV personality had got caught up in an accident while on a hunting trip that saw him rushed to the ER. However, one of Si’s co-stars has recently opened up about ongoing stories concerning Uncle Si.

Uncle Si Was Recently Rushed To The ER Following A Hunting Trip Accident

Over the years, viewers came to know Si Robertson, also known as “Uncle Si,” through the Duck Dynasty reality series. Si is the brother of Phil Robertson and had worked as a reed maker for the Duck Commander company.

In addition to the series, Si has had many other notable roles over the years, from Vietnam War veteran to the host of his own spin-off show. Notably, he serves as a co-host on the Duck Call Room podcast.

Uncle Si – YouTube

Fans...

After spending the last 10 years of their lives plotting and crafting Stranger Things, you can forgive Matt and Ross Duffer for getting teary-eyed while filming its final episodes. “There was a lot of crying,” Matt Duffer told journalists on Wednesday. “There was so much crying.”

The Duffers took part in the Next on Netflix event at The Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood. The theme of the morning was “you’re not ready for what’s next,” and those in attendance saw a special sizzle reel of Stranger Things 5, which featured behind-the-scenes moments of actors like Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard on the set, plus quick clips from the final season.

“We spent a full year filming this season,” said Ross. “By the end, we’d captured over 650 hours of footage. So, needless to say, this is our biggest and most ambitious season yet. It’s like eight blockbuster movies. It’s pretty insane.

Si Robertson, also known as “Uncle Si,” became known to fans through his appearances on the Duck Dynasty series. However, the TV personality recently made headlines after suffering an accident during a hunting trip. Since then, fans were recently given an update concerning Uncle Si’s condition.

Si Was Rushed To The ER After Falling On His Oxygen Tank

Uncle Si has worn many hats over the years. He has been a Vietnam War veteran, a reed maker for Duck Commander, and a podcast co-host. At one point, he even pursued a musical career with Si And The Si-cotics.

However, many fans know him best as a cast-member on Duck Dynasty, which lasted 11 seasons. Interestingly enough, Si actually started in a behind-the-scenes role, but soon went on to become a fan-favorite among viewers. He even got his own spinoff series, Going Si-Ral.

Uncle Si Robertson – Instagram

As previously reported, Si...

Duck Dynasty fans have come to know Si Robertson as “Uncle Si.” However, the TV personality has recently gotten into an accident that landed him in the emergency room. The incident notably came out around the time a revival of the series had been announced.

The Story Was Recounted On The Duck Call Room Podcast

On the series, Silas Merritt “Si” Robertson is the brother of Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson. Considered a breakout cast member on the show, Si is also known as a veteran and a retired Duck Commander reed maker.

Over the years, his appearances on Duck Dynasty have led to other projects. He was notably the hos of the spin-off, Going Si-Ral. He also co-hosts the Duck Call Room podcast.

Uncle Si – YouTube

Recently, however, Si found himself rushed to a hospital following a hunting accident. According to The Independent, he reportedly fell down a muddy hill while out hunting.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” the upcoming Broadway play based on the hit Netflix sci-fi drama, has added 24 performers to its company.

Among the new cast members are Ta’Rea Campbell (“The Hills of California”) as Patty’s mom, Juan Carlos (making his Broadway debut) replacing previously announced star Nicholas Eldridge as Bob Newby, Robert T. Cunningham (Broadway debut) as Charles Sinclair, Ayana Cymone (Broadway debut) as Sue Anderson, Ian Dolley (“The Holdovers”) as Walter Henderson, Dora Dolphin (Broadway debut) as Karen Childress, Logan Gould (“The Corps”) as Lonny Byers, Shea Grant (Broadway debut) as Claudia Yount, Ted Koch (“To Kill a Mockingbird”) as Chief Hopper, Jamie Martin Mann (Broadway debut) as Ted Wheeler and Eric Wiegand (“Plaza Suite”) as Alan Munson.

Also joining the show are ensemble actors Janie Brookshire (“The Philanthropist”), Kelsey Anne Brown (Broadway debut), Malcolm Callender (Broadway debut), Antoinette Comer (“Mamma Mia!”), Tom D’Agustino (“Dear Edward”), Victor...

Updated, January 24: Complete casting has been announced for the Broadway production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow. In addition to the principal cast, previously announced, the 34-member cast will include Janie Brookshire, Kelsey Anne Brown, Malcolm Callender, Ta’Rea Campbell, Juan Carlos as Bob Newby (replacing Nicholas Eldridge), Antoinette Comer, Robert T. Cunningham, Ayana Cymone, Tom D’Agustino, Victor de Paula Rocha, Ian Dolley, Dora Dolphin, Nya Garner, Logan Gould, Shea Grant, Rebecca Hurd, Ted Koch, Timothy Lawrence, Jamie Martin Mann, Patrick Scott McDermott, Stephen Wattrus, Maya West, Eric Wiegand and Graham Winton.

Previously, December 4, 2024: T.R. Knight, Alex Breaux and Gabrielle Nevaeh will be among those joining the previously announced Louis McCartney in Broadway’s upcoming production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Knight (Grey’s Anatomy) will play Victor Creel, Breaux will be Patty Newby.

Netflix has teamed up with Sonia Friedman Productions to produce the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is “rooted in the mythology” of the hit streaming series Stranger Things and opened at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End last December. The show has been breaking box office records and won several awards, and in 2025, it will be making the jump to Broadway. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. A couple of months ago, we learned that the actor who will be playing the character of Henry Creel in the Broadway production is the same actor who has been playing him in London’s West End, Louis McCartney. Now, Variety has revealed the names of his fellow cast members.

T.R. Knight of Grey’s Anatomy is playing Henry’s father Victor Creel,...

One actor is heading from Grey Sloan to the Upside Down, as Grey's Anatomy star T.R. Knight has landed a major role in a new Stranger Things production.

Per Variety, Knight has joined the cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a stage play opening in 2025 that's based on the Netflix series. Knight will play Victor Creel, the father of Henry Creel (aka Vecna). The play is a prequel to the series, set decades before the events of Stranger Things Season 1. The synopsis reads, "Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister 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 arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.”

Related 9 Beloved Stranger Things Characters...

Grey’s Anatomy’s T.R. Knight will appear in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway this spring.

Knight will play the character of Victor Creel alongside cast members Rosie Benton (Patriots) as Virginia Creel, Alex Breaux (who is set to appear in Stranger Things Season 5 on Netflix) as Dr. Brenner, Nicky Eldridge as Bob Newby, Andrew Hovelson (Lucky Guy) as Principal Newby, Alison Jaye (Shameless) as Joyce Maldonado, Gabrielle Nevaeh (Nickelodeon’s That Girl Lay Lay) as Patty Newby and Burke Swanson (Back to the Future: The Musical) as James Hopper, Jr.

They joined previously announced Louis McCartney, who will reprise his role as Henry Creel on Broadway, after originating the part in the West End. Additional casting will be announced in January.

The production begins performances at the Marquis Theatre March 28, 2025, ahead of an April 22 opening night.

The play is set up as a prequel to the events in...

Broadway will be turned Upside Down this spring — and it’s bringing some familiar faces along for the ride.

Netflix announced on Wednesday that Emmy-nominated Grey’s Anatomy alum T.R. Knight will play Victor Creel in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which will open at the Marquis Theatre in Manhattan on April 22, 2025 (with preview performances beginning Friday, March 28, 2025).

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Robert Englund...

Louis McCartney is headed to Broadway!

The actor is set to star in the new production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is premiering on Broadway after a run on the West End.

He’ll reprise the role of Henry Creel, which garnered him critical praise and earned him the 2024 Stage Debut Award for his performance in London, England.

Keep reading to find out more…

Variety confirmed the news of Louis‘ casting, noting that additional cast members would be announced at a later date.

“Louis is an astonishing actor, and we are unbelievably proud of the incredible life he has breathed into the role of Henry Creel onstage in the West End,” director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin said in a statement shared with the outlet. “From the moment we first met him, we knew he was special, and we are thrilled that Broadway audiences will have...

Louis McCartney is headed to Broadway!

The actor is set to star in the new production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is premiering on Broadway after a run on the West End.

He’ll reprise the role of Henry Creel, which garnered him critical praise and earned him the 2024 Stage Debut Award for his performance in London, England.

Keep reading to find out more…

Variety confirmed the news of Louis‘ casting, noting that additional cast members would be announced at a later date.

“Louis is an astonishing actor, and we are unbelievably proud of the incredible life he has breathed into the role of Henry Creel onstage in the West End,” director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin said in a statement shared with the outlet. “From the moment we first met him, we knew he was special, and we are thrilled that Broadway audiences will have...

Netflix has teamed up with Sonia Friedman Productions to produce the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is “rooted in the mythology” of the hit streaming series Stranger Things and opened at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End back in December. The show has been breaking box office records and won several awards, and in 2025, it will be making the jump to Broadway. Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Now, Variety reports that the actor who will be playing the character of Henry Creel in the Broadway production is the same actor who has been playing him in London’s West End, Louis McCartney! This will be McCartney’s Broadway debut. His final performance in the West End production will be on November 10th.

A while back, Deadline heard...

Louis McCartney is returning to the Upside Down for the Broadway run of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

The actor will reprise his award-winning, universally acclaimed performance of Henry Creel in the play when it hits the Great White Way on April 22, 2025, after beginning previews March 28, 2025 at the Marquis Theatre. This will mark his Broadway debut.

“Louis is an astonishing actor, and we are unbelievably proud of the incredible life he has breathed into the role of Henry Creel onstage in the West End,” director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin said in a joint statement. “From the moment we first met him, we knew he was special, and we are thrilled that Broadway audiences will have the opportunity to witness his extraordinary performance.”

Following the show’s run in London, McCartney received the Stage 2024 Debut Award for best performer in a play and the Critics’ Circle Award for most promising newcomer.

One of the main stars of the West End version of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is returning for the play’s Broadway debut. Louis McCartney will reprise his award-winning performance as Henry Creel when the production hits New York in 2025.

“Louis is an astonishing actor, and we are unbelievably proud of the incredible life he has breathed into the role of Henry Creel onstage in the West End. From the moment we first met him, we knew he was special, and we are thrilled that Broadway audiences will have the opportunity to witness his extraordinary performance,” director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin said in a statement to press.

McCartney’s performance of “The First Shadow” on The West End earned him the Stage 2024 Debut Award for Best Performer in a Play as well as the Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Newcomer. Additionally, the play has won Laurence...

Louis McCartney will make his Broadway debut in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” in which he will reprise his role as Henry Creel from the Olivier Award-winning West End production.

“Louis is an astonishing actor, and we are unbelievably proud of the incredible life he has breathed into the role of Henry Creel onstage in the West End,” said director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin. “From the moment we first met him, we knew he was special, and we are thrilled that Broadway audiences will have the opportunity to witness his extraordinary performance.”

McCartney made his professional stage debut originating the role of Henry Creel in the West End production of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” which earned him the 2024 Stage Debut Award for best performer in a play and the Critics Circle Award for most promising newcomer. His final performance in the West End production is Nov.

Oscar-nominated Rosamund Pike will make her debut at London’s National Theatre in 2025, and they’ve given her the starring role in the world premiere of a new work by Suzie Miller, the playwright who created Prima Facie, the legal drama that catapulted Jodie Comer to Olivier and Tony Award trophies.

Pike has been cast in Miller’s Inter Alia, in which she’ll play a British High Court judge forced to reckon with conflict in her private and professional life. The production will reunite Miller with director Justin Martin, who also directed Comer in Prima Facie in the West End and on Broadway.

Inter Alia will be part of the final season of National Theatre director and co-chief executive Rufus Norris, who steps down from his post on March 31, 2025 after a decade at the helm of the UK’s flagship theatrical institution. Norris...

Fans have been waiting a long time for season five of Stranger Things to drop on Netflix, and with the release window for the streaming service's most popular series' final few episodes still quite vague; we could all be waiting a considerable bit longer. Thankfully, there's something to tide over even the most diehard Stranger Things fans: a brand-new prequel in the form of the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

Despite being a prequel, The First Shadow directly stems from the events of Stranger Things' most recent season. It fills in some critical gaps, showing audiences how Henry Creel ended up in Hawkins, Indiana, and became the town's resident source of evil, Vecna. While The First Shadow recently wrapped up playing in the West End of London (and will premiere on Broadway sometime in 2025), fans can discover every crucial detail about the play and how it connects to Stranger Things right here.

The expansion of “Stranger Things” to the stage is hoping to draw more people to the screen.

IndieWire can announce that stage play “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” attendees will be gifted a 30-day Netflix subscription for ticket purchases up until September 30, 2024. Netflix is one of the few streaming platforms that does not have a free trial; this partnership marks the first effort from the streamer to land subscribers through a trial.

The 30-day Netflix subscription will be redeemable through a gift card. The offer is valid for one 30-day subscription to Netflix’s Standard Plan per ticket order, purchased by Monday, September 30, 2024, and is only for new Netflix members in the U.S. and U.K.

The upcoming fifth and final season of “Stranger Things” will debut in 2025. Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Winona Ryder, and more stars lead the ensemble cast.

Olivier Award-winning play “Stranger Things:...

Hawkins is hitting the stage. A Stranger Things play titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow and set in Hawkins, 1959 — before the world turned upside down — opened on London’s West End on Dec. 14 at the Phoenix Theatre. Now extended to run until April 6, 2025, this prequel may just hold the key to what comes next…

Here’s everything you nerds need to know about this new dimension of the Stranger Things universe:

Yup! The stage play is based on an original story by the Duffer brothers (the masterminds behind Stranger Things), Kate Trefry (a writer on Stranger Things) and Jack Thorne. The new play, written by Trefry, will be directed by Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry with co-direction by Justin Martin and produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions. The Duffer...

In a move sure to excite die-hard fans, Netflix hit “Stranger Things” is transporting its supernatural mystery to the Broadway stage with the highly anticipated new production “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” Set to begin previews March 28, 2025 at the Marquis Theatre, this immersive prequel play will offer audiences a new chapter in the exciting saga before the television show wraps its run.

Conceived by “Stranger Things” masterminds the Duffer Brothers alongside series writer Kate Trefry and acclaimed playwright Jack Thorne, “The First Shadow” transports viewers back to 1959 Hawkins, Indiana. There, in a simpler time before unknown horrors shook the town, key characters like Police Chief Jim Hopper, future scientist Joyce Maldonado, and kind-hearted Bob Newby navigate the trials of small-town life. But all is not as it seems – the arrival of mysterious new student Henry Creel soon sets disturbing events in motion that will shake Hawkins to its core.

Helming...

Stranger Things fans, we have some very exciting news to share! 1428 Elm has learned that the Olivier Award-winning stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow will be coming to Broadway in New York starting in March 2025. That's great news for North American fans who have been eager to see the play but unable to make a trip to London, where it debuted.

Featuring an original story by Stranger Things creators Matt and Ross Duffer, along with Kate Trefry and Jack Thorne, The First Shadow serves as a prequel to the hit Netflix series, which is currently in production on its fifth and final season.

Set in Hawkins, Indiana in 1959, "before the world turned upside down," the story follows a young Jim Hopper and other popular characters like Bob Newby, Joyce Maldonado, and even a young Henry Creel. The play is really about exploring Henry's origins while also shedding light on fan favorites like Hopper,...

While we wait for the final season of Netflix’s “Stranger Things,” we’ve learned this week that the live stage play “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is coming to Broadway.

The critically acclaimed, Olivier Award-winning, “mega five-star hit” (Sunday Times) play will begin performances Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre (210 West 46th Street).

Based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, and rooted in the mythology and world of the Netflix global phenomenon, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is a new play written by Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin.

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” is described as “a new story live on stage,” and it’s set in Hawkins, 1959. “The First Shadow” takes place “before the world turned upside down.”

Hailed by the Daily Telegraph as “The West End Event of...

Netflix has teamed up with Sonia Friedman Productions to produce the stage play Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which is “rooted in the mythology” of the hit streaming series Stranger Things and opened at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End back in December. The show has been breaking box office records and recently won several awards, so its run has been extended into 2025… and now Deadline has broken the news that the show will also be coming to Broadway next year! Stranger Things: The First Shadow is set to begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open on Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

A while back, Deadline heard that Stranger Things: The First Shadow “will be the first instalment in a trilogy exploring the dark underbelly of Hawkins, Indiana. Breaking Baz can reveal parts two and three are set to follow the inaugural play in two or three year intervals,...

Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions have announced that the critically acclaimed Olivier Award-winning play Stranger Things: The First Shadow will begin performances Friday, March 28, 2025, and officially open Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre (210 West 46th Street).

Based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, and rooted in the mythology and world of the Netflix global phenomenon, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a new play written by Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry and co-directed by Justin Martin.

Before the world turned upside down. Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister 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 arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy…and...

The Upside Down is headed to the Great White Way, with the Olivier Award-winning play “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” set to open on Broadway in 2025.

The show, which is based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, will begin preview performances on March 28 before opening on April 22 at the Marquis Theatre.

“Before the world turned upside down. Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town,” the show’s description reads. “When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy…and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.”

Sign-ups for pre-sale tickets are available at the show’s official website...

The hit London play Stranger Things: The First Shadow is coming to work its magic on Broadway: Producers Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions announced today the production will begin previews at the Marquis Theatre on Friday, March 28, 2025 and officially open Tuesday, April 22, 2025.

Directed by Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is based on an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry, written by Kate Trefry and rooted in the mythology and world of the TV series.

Broadway casting has not been announced. A Broadway trailer for the production was released today – watch it below.

Here’s the official synopsis: Before the world turned upside down. Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t...

Demogorgons are shaking.

Olivier Award-winning play “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” which has already enjoyed a successful UK run, is coming to Broadway in 2025, officially opening on April 22, 2025.

A prequel of sorts, here’s the official show description: “Before the world turned upside down. Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister 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 arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy…and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.”

Written by Kate Trefry, with an original story by “Stranger Things” creators The Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne & Trefry, the show originally opened in London in 2023. Much like in “Harry Potter” spinoff play “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,...

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is coming to Broadway in the spring.

The play, which is set up as a prequel to the events of the Netflix series, will start previews at the Marquis Theatre on March 28, 2025, with an opening night on April 2025. Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions are producing. The show premiered in London’s West End in December 2023, where it is still running.

Written by Kate Trefry, the play includes younger versions of the characters from the television series, including Winona Ryder’s Joyce, Sean Astin’s Bob Newby and David Harbour’s Hopper.

The production sums up the plot, saying: “Before the world turned upside down. Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town.

Ryan Gosling dominates the romance genre when it comes to films. He has starred in several rom-com and heavy drama movies, but one truly stands out from the bunch: the Oscar-winning title La La Land with Emma Stone.

Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in La La Land / Lionsgate Films

It brought so many tears to the eyes, but if anyone wants a heavier, more realistic drama then fans should check out another Gosling film with Michelle Williams: Blue Valentine (2010). This one truly tugs at the heartstrings.

Ryan Gosling Reveals Brutal Preparation For Blue Valentine

In an interview with Fresh Air via NPR, actor Ryan Gosling revealed what he and costar Michelle Williams had to go through to prepare for their roles in Derek Cianfrance’s Blue Valentine.

During the month, we tried to dismantle this thing that we had been building. [Originally,] we all worked really hard to create this love story portion,...

‘Millions’ Making Millions

The family drama “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” has become the highest-grossing Thai film of all time in The Philippines, distributor Westec Media claims.

The company, which released the film, does not quantify the receipts or the record. But there is little doubt of the film’s hit status across Asia. It has garnered THB1 billion (approximately $27 million) and achieved 10 million admissions, according to producer GDH559.

In Indonesia, where the film was released on May 15, it attracted 3.5 million admissions and became the highest grossing (non-local) Asian film in the country’s box office history. In Myanmar, following its release on May 31, has also become the highest-grossing Thai film ever recorded. It stands as the highest-grossing Thai film in Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The heartwarming story follows a teenage university dropout (Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul), who quits his job to care for his ailing grandmother (Usha Seamkhum) to secure a large inheritance.

Oscar-winner Adrien Brody will make his London theater debut in The Fear of 13, opening in October.

The Pianist star will play Nick Yarris, who spent 22 years on death row before his exoneration, at the 251-seat Donmar Warehouse in Covent Garden. The Fear of 13 is based on a 2015 documentary by filmmaker David Sington and has been adapted for the stage by Lindsey Ferrentino.

Brody will perform the true story of Yarris, a Pennsylvania native who was wrongly convicted of the murder, rape and abduction of Linda Mae Craig, a shop assistant, in 1982. A DNA test later proved his innocence, and Yarris was released in 2004.

“I love the theater and although I have not been on the stage in many years I have been searching for the right material and this was so clearly the one,” Brody told The Guardian. “This is a story steeped in truth, that exposes systematic injustice and apathy through hope and humanity.

Oscar winner Adrien Brody is set to make his London theater debut with The Fear of 13, a new play by Lindsey Ferrentino (Ugly Lies the Bone). Directed by Justin Martin, The Fear of 13 will run from October 4 through November 30 at the Donmar Warehouse.

Based on the 2015 documentary film by David Sington, The Fear of 13 is the true story of Nick Yarris who in the early 1980s was charged with the kidnapping and attempted murder of a police officer in Pennsylvania. He was acquitted, but while awaiting trial became a suspect in a different case and was convicted of the abduction, rape and murder of a young woman and sentenced to death. He spent 22 years on death row in Pennsylvania and was released in 2004 when DNA evidence established his innocence.

The logline from the Donmar reads: “Nick’s got a story to tell you.