Louis McCartney, who originated the role of Henry Creel in the Olivier-winning Stranger Things: The First Shadow in the West End, is set to reprise his performance for the play's Broadway run. McCartney will depart the West End production November 10 to make his Broadway debut.
The play will begin Broadway performances March 28, 2025 at the Marquis Theatre, ahead of an April 22 opening. Based on the an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry and set in the world of the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, the play is penned by Kate Trefry, directed by Stephen Daldry, and co-directed by Justin Martin.
“Louis is an astonishing actor, and we are unbelievably proud of the incredible life he has breathed into the role of Henry Creel onstage in the West End," Daldry and Martin said in a joint statement. "From the moment we first met him, we knew he was special, and we are thrilled that Broadway audiences will have the opportunity to witness his extraordinary performance.”
The play explores when Henry Creel first moves into Hawkings, Indiana, in 1959, following how he becomes the eventual ruler of the Upside Down. The play also features high school versions of Stranger Things characters Jim Hopper, Bob Newby, and Joyce Maldonado. The work premiered in and has been performing at London's Phoenix Theatre since 2023, but official sources are protecting spoilers by keeping mum on further plot descriptions.
The Broadway run will feature set design by Miriam Buether; costume design by Brigitte Reiffenstuel; lighting design by Jon Clark; sound design by Paul Arditti; original music composition, orchestration, arrangements and supervision by D.J. Walde; illusions design and visual effects by Jamie Harrison and Chris Fisher; video design and visual effects by 59; choreography by Coral Messam; movement direction by Lynne Page; wigs, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates. The technical director is Gary Beestone for Gary Beestone Associates, casting is by Jim Carnahan, and U.K. casting is by Jessica Ronane CDG.
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is currently running at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End. The U.K. production received two Olivier Awards, including Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and Best Set Design.
The play is produced by Netflix and Sonia Friedman Productions. The Duffer Brothers act as creative producers, with 21 Laps Entertainment as associate producer.
Additional casting will be announced at a later date.
Visit StrangerThingsBroadway.com for more information.
