REVIEW · NEW YORK CITY
NYC: Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway
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There is something fun about time travel. This Broadway show drops you into Hawkins, 1959 for a stand-alone adventure that connects to the larger Stranger Things world. You get a tense, character-driven story plus stunning special effects, all staged by an award-winning creative team.
Two things I’d put near the top: the show’s build-up from everyday small-town problems into something far stranger, and the big-screen level production values that keep you on the edge of your seat. One thing to keep in mind is that this one is not set up for kids under 11, so plan accordingly if you’re traveling with younger children.
In This Review
Key Things That Make This Broadway Night Worth Planning
- Hawkins, 1959: a fresh starting point before the main events you already know
- Olivier Awards wins: two Olivier Awards, including Best Entertainment
- Netflix + Sonia Friedman Productions: big-budget backing with Broadway craft
- Special effects that matter: not just flashy moments, but story-driving visuals
- Directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin: a creative team with proven stage power
From Tickets to Hawkins at the Marquis Theatre
Your Stranger Things night starts with a simple step: present your ticket at the entrance to the Marquis Theatre. That’s your cue to swap city mode for 1959 town mode. Once you’re inside, you’ll be joining an audience ready for a fast-moving story—no warm-up needed.
This isn’t the kind of show that benefits from arriving late. Even without exact timing details provided, Broadway productions rely on you being seated so the lights and sound can do their job. If you want the best first impression—especially with a show that leans on special effects—give yourself breathing room so you can settle in before things begin.
Also note what you can’t do: no smoking and no flash photography. It’s standard theatre etiquette, but it matters more here because the staging and lighting are clearly part of the experience.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in New York City.
The Story Setup: Hawkins Before Everything Turns Strange
The show takes place in Hawkins, 1959, and it starts the way real towns often do: with ordinary worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start. Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously. Joyce Maldonado just wants to
