✨NYC Theater✨ Stranger Things: The Last Shadow on BROADWAY!
Stranger Things: The First Shadow Review – Is It Good for Teens?
If you’re looking for Broadway shows for teens in New York City — especially teens who love spooky things — you NEED to know about Stranger Things: The First Shadow.
We saw Stranger Things: The First Shadow during our trip to NYC, and it was seriously one of the coolest shows we saw. I’m a huge fan of anything spooky, and this was the perfect combination of creepy, exciting and completely mind-blowing.
If you already like the Stranger Things TV show, you’ll probably love it even more because it seriously feels like you’ve stepped right into Hawkins.
And don’t worry — this Stranger Things: The First Shadow review is completely spoiler-free!
What Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow About?
I’m not going to tell you much because I really think this is a show you should experience without knowing everything that’s going to happen.
What I CAN tell you is that Stranger Things: The First Shadow takes place before the Stranger Things TV series and gives you a look at Hawkins during a completely different time.
You’ll recognize some familiar names and places if you watch the show, and there are definitely moments when Stranger Things fans will make connections.
There were a few times when I was basically sitting there thinking:
WAIT... WHAT?!
Does Stranger Things: The First Shadow Feel Like the TV Show?
YES.
This was probably one of the things that surprised me the most.
It doesn’t just feel like a regular play based on a TV show. Between the sets, lighting, sounds and special effects, there are moments when it actually feels like you’re watching an episode of Stranger Things happening right in front of you.
Except everything is LIVE.
Which brings me to...
The Special Effects Are INSANE
I honestly have no idea how they did some of this stuff.
There were moments when I knew I was sitting in a theater watching actors on a stage, but my brain could not figure out how what I was seeing was actually possible. 😂
Some of the effects happen so quickly that you barely have time to figure out what you just saw before something else happens.
The lighting and sound also make everything feel even creepier.
There were definitely a few times when I jumped. 😳
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow Scary?
If you’re wondering how scary Stranger Things: The First Shadow is, I would definitely call it creepy — but in a really fun way.
There are dark scenes, loud noises, suspenseful moments and some jump scares.
If you already watch Stranger Things and are okay with the scary parts of the TV show, you probably have a pretty good idea of the kind of spooky atmosphere to expect.
Personally, I LOVE spooky things, so this was one of my favorite parts.
It was creepy enough to make me jump and keep me wondering what was going to happen next, but not so scary that I wished we hadn’t gone.
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow Good for Kids and Teens?
I’m 13, and I thought it was AWESOME.
But I definitely wouldn’t call this a little-kid Broadway show.
If you’re trying to decide whether Stranger Things: The First Shadow is good for kids, I think it really depends on the kid.
There are creepy scenes, loud sounds, scary moments and jump scares. Some younger kids might find it too intense.
But for tweens and teens who already watch Stranger Things and like spooky stories, this could be an AMAZING Broadway choice.
If you’re visiting NYC with teens and they aren’t super excited about seeing a traditional musical, I would especially consider this one. It feels completely different from what I expected a Broadway show to be.
Do You Need to Watch Stranger Things Before Seeing The First Shadow?
I think you’ll enjoy The First Shadow a lot more if you’ve already watched Stranger Things.
You don’t have to remember every single detail from every episode, but fans will recognize characters, places and other connections to the series.
That was one of my favorite things about it.
There were things in the show that made me want to go back and rewatch Stranger Things afterward just to see what I might notice now.
And that is ALL I’m saying about that because...
NO SPOILERS. 🤐
My Favorite Part of Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Without giving anything away, my favorite part was seeing how they brought the Stranger Things world to life on a Broadway stage.
Before we went, I couldn't figure out how they were going to do it.
There are so many things that happen in the TV series that seem like they would be impossible to recreate in front of a live audience.
Apparently, they found a way.
There were multiple times when I looked over at my parents because I couldn't believe what had just happened on stage.
Is Stranger Things: The First Shadow Worth Seeing?
YES — especially if you’re already a Stranger Things fan.
If you're looking for things to do in NYC with teens, I would definitely put Stranger Things: The First Shadow on your list.
It's especially perfect if your family likes:
Stranger Things
Spooky stories 👻
Crazy special effects
Mysteries
Jump scares
Broadway shows that don't feel like traditional Broadway shows
It honestly feels like a mix between a Broadway play, a movie and a giant special-effects experience.
And somehow they're doing all of this LIVE.
I still don't understand how they pulled off some of the things we saw — and honestly, I think that's part of the fun.
Hallie's Stranger Things: The First Shadow Rating
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spooky Level: 👻👻👻👻
Jump Scare Level: 😳😳😳
Special Effects: 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯
Would I see it again? ABSOLUTELY.
If you have a Stranger Things-loving tween or teen and you're planning a family trip to New York City, this is one Broadway show I would definitely add to your NYC bucket list.
FINAL EXTENSION! This show ends January 3, 2027!
https://broadway.strangerthingsonstage.com/
