'Stranger Things' prequel hits Broadway: Vecna’s origins go live

Stranger Things fans, brace yourselves as the hit prequel theatre show Stranger Things: The First Shadow is being filmed live on Broadway for Netflix, and it’s giving chills before it even hits screens.

The show, which delves into the dark origins of Henry Creel, better known as Vecna, has opened at the Marquis Theatre back in April 2025. 

But now, for one thrilling week from Tuesday, February 10 to Saturday, February14, the production has paused for filming. 

That means the original Broadway cast, including Tony nominee Louis McCartney as Henry, will be immortalised on camera before they bow out on March 29.

Written by Kate Trefry and fully canon to the Stranger Things universe, the play takes us back to 1959, showing a young Henry discovering his powers and teasing connections all the way to the series’ fifth and final season. 

Netflix, together with Sonia Friedman Productions, is keeping tight-lipped on the release date, but fans can expect the same spine-tingling tension as on stage.

Come the end of March, a fresh batch of actors steps in, including Victor de Paula Rocha as Henry, Ayana Cymone as Patty Newby, and Shea Grant as Joyce Maldonado.

Netflix insists the play is just the start of a bigger strategy to bring Stranger Things to fans “through any medium,” from stage to escape rooms and beyond. 

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