In the quaint town of Hawkins, 1959, beneath the veneer of everyday life, lies a story untold—until now. Stranger Things: The First Shadow peels back the layers of the past, revealing the origins of a narrative that has captivated millions. This theatrical prelude to the Netflix sensation Stranger Things is not just a play; it’s a journey back to where it all began, crafted by a team of storytellers whose accolades echo the depth of their talent.
A Town Suspended in Time
Hawkins is a town with secrets, where the humdrum of daily life is a facade for the extraordinary events that lie beneath. Young Jim Hopper struggles with a stubborn car, Bob Newby’s aspirations are mocked, and Joyce Maldonado yearns for escape. The arrival of Henry Creel and his family introduces a chilling realization: escaping the shadows of the past is no simple feat.
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The creative ensemble behind Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a testament to the power of collaborative genius. With the Duffer Brothers at the helm as creative producers, and the partnership with 21 Laps Entertainment, the stage is set for a story that is as authentic as it is enthralling. Kate Trefry weaves this prequel with a narrative thread that promises to be as compelling as the series that inspired it.
A Directorial Vision
Under the directorial gaze of Stephen Daldry, alongside co-director Justin Martin, the production is a masterclass in stagecraft. The team’s vision translates the eerie and nostalgic atmosphere of the Stranger Things universe into a tangible experience, inviting the audience to step into a world where the line between the ordinary and the supernatural blurs.
The cast is a mosaic of talent, with Shane Attwooll donning the mantle of Chief Hopper, and a host of others embodying characters that fans have grown to love—and fear. Each actor brings a unique flavor to the mix, promising performances that will resonate with audiences and add new layers to the beloved series.
Aesthetic Alchemy
The aesthetic of Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a collaborative masterpiece. From Miriam Buether’s set design to Brigitte Reiffenstuel’s costumes, each element is meticulously crafted to transport audiences to the bygone era of 1959. The technical wizardry of illusions and visual effects, orchestrated by Jamie Harrison & Chris Fisher and 59 Productions, ensures that the supernatural elements of Hawkins come alive on stage.
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As Stranger Things: The First Shadow prepares to open its doors at the Phoenix Theatre, the anticipation is palpable. The production promises not just a look behind the curtain of the Stranger Things universe but a deep dive into its very heart.
Secure your passage to this extraordinary event and be part of the story that started it all. Visit strangerthingsonstage.com for tickets and immerse yourself in the mystery of Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
About Stranger Things; The First Shadow
Director: Stephen Daldry
Co-Director: Justin Martin
Writer: Kate Trefry
Original story by The Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne & Kate Trefry
Based on the Netflix Series, Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers
Producers: The Duffer Brothers
Production: 21 Laps Entertainment
Cast: Shane Attwooll, Kemi Awoderu, Chase Brown, Christopher Buckley, Ammar Duffus, Gilles Geary, Florence Guy, Max Harwood, Michael Jibson, Oscar Lloyd, Louis McCartney, Isabella Pappas, Matthew Seaton, Patrick Vaill, Lauren Ward, Ella Karuna Williams, Anika Boyle, Faith Delaney, Imogen Turner, Tricia Adele-Turner, Luaren Arney, Samuel Baxter, Reya-Nyomi Brown, Patricia Castro, Lydia Fraser, Isaac Gryn, Mark Hammersley, Benjamin Lafayette, Tom Peters, Kngdom Sibanda, Tiana Simone, Danny Sykes, Meesha Turner
Synopsis
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.
Brought to life by a multi-award-winning creative team, who take theatrical storytelling and stagecraft to a whole new dimension, this gripping new adventure will take you right back to the beginning of the Stranger Things story – and may hold the key to the end.
Are you ready to uncover the secrets of Hawkins’ past? How will the origins of familiar characters reshape your understanding of the series? And what revelations await in the shadows of 1959? Let us know what you think on social media!
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