Breaking Theatrical Norms

Unlike typical television series, which often employ a cold open to create intrigue before the title sequence, theater traditionally insists on immediately introducing core characters and plot. However, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” a new Broadway play based on the acclaimed Netflix series, boldly begins with an exhilarating five-minute cold open. This dramatic introduction features intense gunfire, monstrous Demogorgons, and no leading characters—a striking choice that signals a daring risk taken by producers Sonia Friedman and Netflix.

Creative Vision Behind the Opening

“We always wanted to open with a big scene and a big moment, something that’s going to shock the audience,” said Ross Duffer, who, along with his twin, Matt Duffer, plays a pivotal role as the show’s creative producers.

This theatrical production serves as a prequel to the beloved 1980s-set TV series, focusing on the character of Henry Creel, a shy teenager who becomes central to the storyline in the fourth season. Set mainly in Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959, the play opens in 1943, establishing an ominous tone that echoes the series’ supernatural elements, including the mysterious Upside Down.

Director’s Vision and Execution

Stephen Daldry, the Tony Award-winning director, played a significant role in conceptualizing the cold open. Friedman noted that most directors would typically prefer to build up to such a moment, but Daldry insisted on starting strong. “No, no, I want it right at the beginning,” she recalled him saying during an interview.

Transforming this concept into reality posed significant challenges, particularly since adapting the show for Broadway was thought to be more daunting than its prior London presentation. The Marquis Theater, where the show is currently previewing before its April 22 opening, has approximately 600 more seats than the West End’s Phoenix Theatre.

Staging and Technical Complexity

Friedman described the production as potentially the most technically demanding in Broadway history. This assertion comes from a producer familiar with remarkably intricate shows such as “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” “It’s the most technical and challenging physical production that’s probably ever been onstage,” she stated.

Much of the cold open’s action unfolds with the appearance of a battleship, the U.S.S. Eldridge, amidst spectacular effects, including stage fog and dynamic lighting. The dramatic entrance was inspired in part by the Philadelphia Experiment, a conspiracy theory related to WWII and experiments in dimensional travel.

Design and Performance Adaptability

The cold open is marked by its urgency, featuring complex dialogues between sound, light, and visual effects. The scene integrates cutting-edge technology, with video and visual effects designers like Benjamin Pearcy working meticulously to ensure seamless integration of projected images and physical sets. “We’re hiding where the real ship stops and where the extension of that ship is on the screen behind it,” Pearcy explained.

For this sequence to succeed across multiple performances, rigorous rehearsal schedules were necessary. According to Jamie Harrison, the illusions designer, “About 40 crew members… have been rehearsed to within a millisecond of their existence” to manage around 75 cues involving engineering and automation.

Broadway’s Bold Gamble

Producers aim for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” to be perceived as a “live spectacle event,” fostering positive discussions among audiences. However, this focus on spectacle raises questions about whether character development is being sacrificed for visual immediacy, as noted in critiques of the London production.

Nevertheless, Trefry, who has contributed to the script, affirms that the narrative maintains a balance appealing to both newcomers and established fans of the series. It will ultimately link back to the anticipated fifth season of “Stranger Things,” which is set to premiere later this year.

Ultimately, the Duffer Brothers express enthusiasm about returning to the show’s roots, celebrating how theatrical elements connect back to their original vision. “The Demogorgon in Season 1 was a guy in a suit,” Ross Duffer shared. “To go back to doing that? It’s a thrill.”