A 'Stranger' To Stranger Things

"Stranger Things - The First Shadow" received high praise and excitement upon its opening at the Phoenix Theatre. As expected, the show quickly became a must-see, especially for fans of the hit Netflix series. Personally, I had never ventured into the world of Stranger Things, lacking knowledge of the storyline and familiarity with the characters and their backgrounds. However, having observed the show's viral presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, I understood its strong leaning towards science fiction. So, you could say I was a 'stranger' to Stranger Things (don't worry no spoilers here).

Upon entering the theatre, a screen displaying the typewritten words 'The Philadelphia Experiment' and a border around the stage lit up in red greeted me. My attention was immediately drawn to the word 'experiment,' signaling that I was in for a unique experience. The room buzzed with excitement from active Stranger Things fans, providing interesting snippets of information about the TV show. As the house lights dimmed, a pin-drop silence fell over the audience; the anticipation was palpable. The show began, transporting us to 1943 wartime, where the US Navy attempted to use a cloaking device that disastrously malfunctioned, plunging the stage into darkness and filling the room with smoke and screams. I knew my world was about to be turned upside down.

*Cue the iconic Stranger Things theme song.*

With the entire audience, including myself, on the edge of our seats, the show earned a standing ovation just 10 minutes in. The stage transformed into a large 50s-styled TV screen, displaying full credits while taking us through the streets of Hawkins. While others cheered the familiar sound, I was still in shock at the insane intro.

the show earned a standing ovation just 10 minutes in.

Fast forward to 1959, and we were introduced to the characters: an adolescent Jim (James) Hopper Jr. struggling with his car, Joyce Maldonado determined to graduate and leave Hawkins behind, Bob Newby trying to establish his own radio station while his sister Patty kept interrupting, and the new boy Henry Creel and his family, aiming for a fresh start in Hawkins, leaving their former shadows in Nevada.

The casting director did wonders. The talent was consistent, with each individual fully immersing themselves in their roles. A special mention goes to Louis McCartney as Henry Creel, who, in his troubled teen role, balanced occasional creepiness with glimpses of humanity, delivering cringeworthy comedic moments and disturbing elements. It was hard to believe that this was his professional debut; he acted like a seasoned pro. 

I enjoyed each character in their own way. Patty Newby (Ella Karuna Williams) stood out as her journey through challenges most people her age wouldn't endure was heart-wrenching, adding a sincere and poignant element to the show. A special mention goes to Joyce Maldonado (Isabella Pappas), who portrayed her character with natural ease. I particularly appreciated the touch of bravado in her carrying the Communist Manifesto, a detail that, especially in the 1950s, showcased a young female character beyond the ordinary.

Then, there were the other students like Karen Childress (Florence Guy), Ted Wheeler (Gilles Geary), Charles Sinclair (Ammar Duffus), Alan Munson (Max Harwood), Walter Henderson (Calum Ross), and Claudia Yount (Maisie Norma Seaton), they injected a youthful energy into the show. Despite the dark undertones surrounding them, they managed to keep me both laughing and wincing at their childish humor. In other shows, I often lose track of background actors, and they become a blur. However, in Stranger Things, every character, even in the background, had a purpose, and everyone had their moment. I appreciated the attention to detail and the depth given to each character.

Moving to the technical aspects, lighting, scenic design, sound, and special effects; this production had a lot going on, and the team, including Jon Clark (lighting), Paul Arditti (sound), Miriam Buether (set), 59 productions (video and visual effects), Jamir Harrison, and Chris Fisher (illusions), deserves major praise. The staging seamlessly transported us back in time, and the special effects, including 3D imagery, shadow-creating lighting, and immersive surround sound, elevated the production to a cinematic masterpiece.

cinematic masterpiece.

In a nutshell, this two-and-a-half-hour eerie blockbuster was incredible. It induced sweaty palms, a pounding heart, breath-taking moments; a rollercoaster of emotions that kept me locked in from beginning to end. As someone not typically a fan of thrillers or sci-fi, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if I had to close my eyes occasionally. My next step is watching the series because I have numerous unanswered questions, and I'm eager to delve deeper into the characters and life in Hawkins.

As someone not typically a fan of thrillers or sci-fi, I thoroughly enjoyed it, even if I had to close my eyes occasionally.

View our show pages for more information about Stranger Things - The First Shadow, Phoenix Theatre.