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'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' names new Broadway cast

The original cast, including 2025 Tony Award nominee Louis McCartney, will play their final performance together at the Marquis Theatre at the end of March.

Summary

  • Victor de Paula Rocha; Ayana Cymone; Shea Grant; Juan Carlos; and Matthew Erick White will lead the cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow in its second year on Broadway
  • The original cast plays their final performance March 29
  • The play is set 30 years before the events of Netflix's Stranger Things and tells the origin story of Henry Creel
Gillian Russo
Gillian Russo

Welcome to Hawkins! Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway will welcome a new principal cast starting March 31. The original cast, who have been with the show since March 2025, will play their final performance together at the Marquis Theatre on March 29.

Current cast members Victor de Paula Rocha, Ayana Cymone, and Shea Grant will newly assume the roles of Henry Creel, Patty Newby, and Joyce Maldonado, respectively. Juan Carlos continues in the role of Bob Newby, and Matthew Erick White joins the cast as James Hopper, Jr.

Complete casting has yet to be announced.

The current cast of Stranger Things: The First Shadow is led by 2025 Tony Award nominee Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, Rosie Benton as Virginia Creel, Alex Breaux as Dr. Brenner, Ta’Rea Campbell as Patty’s Mom, Juan Carlos as Bob Newby, Lia Christina as Alice Creel, Robert T. Cunningham as Charles Sinclair, Ayana Cymone as Sue Anderson, Ian Dolley as Walter Henderson, Dora Dolphin as Karen Childress, Logan Gould as Lonny Byers, Shea Grant as Claudia Yount, Andrew Hovelson as Principal Newby, Alison Jaye as Joyce Maldonado, Emmy nominee T.R. Knight as Victor Creel, Ted Koch as Chief Hopper, Jamie Martin Mann as Ted Wheeler, Emmy nominee Gabrielle Nevaeh as Patty Newby, Burke Swanson as James Hopper, Jr., Eric Wiegand as Alan Munson, and Francesca Yhlen as Alice Creel.

Set 30 years before the events of Netflix's Stranger Things, The First Shadow tells the origin story of how a young boy named Henry Creel came to Hawkins and became the Upside Down's most powerful villain. Following its spring 2025 Broadway premiere, it won critical acclaim and four Tony Awards for its special effects and scenic, lighting, and sound design.

Learn more about Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway.

Get Stranger Things: The First Shadow tickets now.

Photo credit: Juan Carlos, Ayana Cymone, Shea Grant, Victor de Paula Rocha, and Matthew Erick White. (Photos courtesy of production)

Frequently asked questions

How do you book tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow?

Book tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow on New York Theatre Guide.

Where is Stranger Things: The First Shadow playing?

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is playing at Marquis Theatre. The theatre is located at 1535 Broadway (between 45th and 46th Street), New York, 10036.

What's the age requirement for Stranger Things: The First Shadow?

The recommended age for Stranger Things: The First Shadow is Ages 12+..

How long is Stranger Things: The First Shadow?

The running time of Stranger Things: The First Shadow is 2hr 45min. Incl. intermission.

What is Stranger Things: The First Shadow about?

See Stranger Things: The First Shadow, now nominated for five Tony Awards, play on Broadway this spring. Stranger Things in New York is a prequel to the events in the acclaimed Netflix series.

Who directed Stranger Things?

Stephen Daldry, who directed Billy Elliott and The Hours, directs. Justin Martin is the co-director.

Who wrote Stranger Things?

Based on the Netflix Series Stranger Things created by The Duffer Brothers, this new show is written by Kate Trefry.

Is Stranger Things good?

Reviews were very positive — London Theatre gave it a five-star review and called it "a must-see not just for super fans, but for anyone excited by boundary-pushing theatre" — and the show won the Olivier Award for Best Entertainment.

Is Stranger Things appropriate for children?

This play is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Originally published on

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