STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW Previews — Page 3

Well…I thought this was technically impressive, for sure. But that’s about where my compliments end. The play is dramatically inert, bloated beyond belief, and at times indecipherable. (Bob builds a demon-tracker out of a phone and a mop?)

I also thought the performances were rough, unfortunately. Louis McCartney is certainly doing the most - but I found a lot of it to be shrill.

This is 100% an amusement park show - nothing more and nothing less. And judging by the (horribly behaved) fans ooh-ing and aah-ing at every character reveal and special effect, I’d say most ticket buyers will be happy. You certainly see your money on the stage. Frankly, it’d be nice to see the Marquis have a hit.

I just wish the production team invested as much into developing a good script as they did into developing good effects.

Updated On: 4/17/25 at 10:53 PM

iluvtheatertrash said: "SPOILER IN MY COMMENT…



there’s a lot of amazing stagecraft going along, but I found the rather graphic human on animal violence, disturbing and upsetting. And when I walked out of intermission and saw that they were selling a stuffed dead cat, with its eyes crossed out, I was really disgusted. Are we really making stuffed animals of dead cats now glorifying human on animal violence? It really put me off to the entire evening, if I’m honest. Probably could have looked past the actual moment in the show in support of the plot but seeing the merch pushed me over the edge."

As an animal lover, I find this upsetting... and really questioning whether or not I want to see this. I am definitely interested in the stagecraft, but this really rubs me the wrong way.

Playwright Kate Trefrey's interviews were the highlight of the First Shadow documentary. She cares a great deal about the characters but had never written for the stage before. The Duffer Brothers had a say in what lore she could discuss and what needed to be saved for the fifth season of the show. London reviews suggest the script is overstuffed. As though she'd tried to cram a seasons worth of television in. If they'd have paired her with a more seasoned playwright she might have found it easier to tailor this to a two act structure.

Saw this this week and really liked it. I like the tv show and thought this prequel was great for fans. Newcomers won't like it as much but there is still something for everyone.

The look and effects are SPECTACULAR! They will clearly be taking home lots of awards.

The cast is doing great work - the lead guy Lewis McCartney is really great!

Jordan Catalano said: "They’ve REALLY upped the production values for this, from what’s on at The Phoenix in London. Several new “WOW” moments for me.

Absolutely one of the worst audiences I’ve had to be around for quite some time but I still had a blast at this one. Its so technically impressive that, for me, it makes upfor other elements that are maybe lacking in other places."

Interesting. My roommate and I marveled at how the audience was rapt when I went. Not a phone in sight and everyone was so quiet.

I caught this Saturday night and absolutely loved it. Perhaps it was just where I was sitting, but my audience was remarkably well-behaved and seemed very engaged. Louis McCartney was the standout for me in terms of acting, but the whole cast did their job well. I think this show is worth seeing even if you're not a fan of the Netflix series. I can't imagine this play not winning Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound Design at the Tonys.