‘Stranger Things’ Play Eyes Move to Broadway as New York City Casting Search Begins
“Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” the prequel play to the popular Netflix series, looks to be headed to the Great White Way after debuting in London.
Broadway World was the first to report that equity casting notices were posted on Thursday seeking New York City-based actors and stage managers for the show with a 2025 start date. There is no venue specified yet for the show. Oscar-nominated filmmaker Stephen Daldry is listed as the director of the New York City production.
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“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” was written by Kate Trefry, from an original story by the Duffer Brothers, Jack Thorne and Trefry. The play debuted at the Phoenix Theatre on the West End on Nov. 17, 2023 in previews, with an official opening date of Dec. 14, 2023. Daldry also directed the West End version.
The play takes place in 1959 at Hawkins High, where series mainstays such as Jim Hopper, Joyce Maldonado and Bob Newby are all teens.
Oscar Lloyd, who plays young Jim Hopper in the West End production, spoke to Variety before the show opened about the unique experience of bringing the TV show to life on stage.
“It’s like being in a fucking action film — like being in an episode of ‘Stranger Things,’ but you’re doing it live every night,” he said. “It’s such high-energy, fast-paced excitement that it’s just a roller coaster.”
Representatives for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” and Netflix did not comment when asked about the Broadway casting notice.
Additional reporting by Ellise Shafer.
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