Documentary Announced:: Netflix will release *Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow* on April 15.
Focus:: The documentary covers the making of the original West End production, which opened in December 2023 to critical acclaim.
Play Details:: *The First Shadow* is a prequel set in Hawkins, 1959, exploring the origins of Henry Creel (Vecna) and featuring teenage versions of Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado, and Bob Newby.
Broadway Transfer:: The play began previews at Broadway's Marquis Theater on March 28 and officially opens on April 22.
West End Success:: The London production won two Olivier Awards (Set Design, Best Entertainment or Comedy Play) and earned star Louis McCartney a Stage Debut Award.
Why this matters:: This documentary offers fans exclusive insight into translating the *Stranger Things* universe to the stage and provides content while waiting for the show's final season.
Set decades before the events of the Netflix series, *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* dives into the mysterious past of Hawkins, Indiana. In 1959, a young Henry Creel moves to town with his family, seeking a fresh start. While initially finding friends and joining the school play alongside familiar names like Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado, dark events begin to unfold, forcing Henry to confront potentially terrifying connections within himself.
The creative team, including *Stranger Things* creators the Duffer Brothers, writer Kate Trefry, and acclaimed director Stephen Daldry, faced the challenge of bringing the show's unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and nostalgia to a live theater audience. Daldry noted the goal was a "visceral experience" with moments that leave audiences wondering, "I don’t understand how they did that." The production aims to fuse the narrative speed of television with the immediacy and spectacle of theater.
The Broadway production features a cast of 34, led by Louis McCartney reprising his acclaimed West End role as Henry Creel. He's joined by Burke Swanson (Jim Hopper), Alison Jaye (Joyce Maldonado), Juan Carlos (Bob Newby), and Emmy nominee T.R. Knight (Victor Creel), among others. The play is produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions, with 21 Laps Entertainment as associate producers.
The upcoming Netflix documentary, *Behind the Curtain*, promises exclusive footage and interviews with the cast and creative team, chronicling the journey from concept to the West End stage. It highlights the pressure and innovation involved in creating a theatrical experience worthy of the *Stranger Things* name.
What is the new Stranger Things documentary about?
It's called *Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things: The First Shadow* and documents the making of the prequel stage play's original West End production.
When does the documentary release on Netflix?
It premieres on April 15.
What is the play *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* about?
It's a prequel set in 1959 Hawkins, exploring the origin story of Henry Creel (Vecna) and featuring young versions of Hopper, Joyce, and Bob.
When does the play open on Broadway?
Previews began March 28, and the official opening night is April 22 at the Marquis Theater in New York City.
Gain insight into the creative process behind adapting a major streaming hit for the stage.
Discover the untold origin story of Vecna and the early days of Hawkins.
Experience a new dimension of the *Stranger Things* universe while awaiting the show's final season.
See how the acclaimed West End production is being brought to Broadway audiences.
Are you excited to see the behind-the-scenes story of the play? Let us know!
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