The stage production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow could potentially make its way to Broadway,
According to The Hollywood Reporter, this is indicated by a casting notice inviting video submissions from Equity actors for the production. Set to potentially start its Broadway run in 2025, details regarding the specific theater are yet to be disclosed. Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Reader), known for directing the West End production of the show, is named as the potential director for this Broadway transfer, alongside co-director Justin Martin (Prima Facie, The Inheritance).
Although neither Netflix nor Sonia Friedman Productions, the two production companies behind the show, have responded to inquiries about their Broadway plans, a spokesperson for the London production mentioned that further details regarding the “future life of the production” will be provided in due time. While the audition notice suggests a potential move to Broadway, it’s worth noting that the play is already garnering popularity in the West End.
Netflix’s Tudum blog via The Hollywood Reporter summarizes the plot of this play, saying, “Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce just wants to get out as soon as she can. When new student Henry Creel and his family arrive, they find a fresh start isn’t that easy … and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.”
Penned by Kate Trefry (Stranger Things, Drive), Stranger Things: The First Shadow premiered at London’s Phoenix Theatre on December 14th. Serving as a prequel to the renowned Netflix television series, the play features youthful iterations of familiar characters such as Joyce, portrayed by Winona Ryder (Beetlejuice, Heathers), Bob Newby, portrayed by Sean Astin (The Goonies, The Lord of the Rings Franchise), and Hopper, portrayed by David Harbour (Brokeback Mountain, Revolutionary Road).
The Duffer brothers (Stranger Things, Hidden), creators of the series, are acknowledged for the original story of the play, along with Trefry and Jack Thorne (Wonder, Enola Holmes), renowned for penning the stage adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”.
This marks another venture for Netflix into Broadway territory. The streaming behemoth is a co-producer of the stage production “Patriots”, in collaboration with Friedman. Written by Peter Morgan, the creator of the Netflix hit series “The Crown”, “Patriots” is slated to commence previews on April 1st and officially open on April 22nd at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.