In a thrilling resurgence of theatrical magic, Louis McCartney, the original Henry Creel from the West End’s remarkable “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” is set to grace the Broadway stage once more. This captivating prequel to the beloved Netflix science fiction-horror series is slated to ignite the Marquis Theatre starting March 28, with a grand opening scheduled for April 22.
McCartney’s inaugural foray into professional theatre has been nothing short of meteoric. His portrayal has garnered laudable accolades, including The Stage’s 2024 Debut Award for Best Performer in a Play and the Critics’ Circle Award for Most Promising Newcomer. As his London journey culminates on November 10, the anticipation builds for his Broadway debut.
Expressing their elation about McCartney’s talent, director Stephen Daldry and co-director Justin Martin stated, “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. 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.” Their words hang in the air, a testament to the magnetic energy McCartney brings to the character.
Details regarding further casting choices will be revealed in due time, but the narrative itself is steeped in intrigue. Set 24 years prior to the series’ initial season, we delve into the lives of youthful versions of familiar characters: Jim Hopper Jr., Joyce Maldonado, and Bob Newby, echoing the essence of the Netflix franchise.
Welcome to Hawkins in 1959—a seemingly mundane town rife with adolescent dilemmas. Young Jim Hopper grapples with car troubles, Bob Newby’s sister dismisses his radio aspirations, and Joyce Maldonado has her sights set on graduation, desperate to escape. But the arrival of the enigmatic new student, Henry Creel, disrupts their world, revealing that starting anew can sometimes be a tango with shadows long past.
Written by Kate Trefry, whose affiliation with the original series lends authenticity, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” emerges from a collaborative narrative by Trefry, the Duffer brothers, and acclaimed playwright Jack Thorne of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” fame. The production first lit up the stage in the West End at the Phoenix Theatre on November 17, 2023, where it continues to mesmerize audiences. Its accolades also embrace the prestigious Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.
In related news, the dynamic actress Sadie Sink, known for her role in “Stranger Things,” is making waves as she prepares to lead another Broadway venture, “John Proctor is the Villain,” slated for spring. All eyes are on the enchanting world of theatre, where shadows blend with light, and stories unfold in breathtaking fashion.
