Latest news with #HenryCreel
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Recorder
‘Stranger Things' play wins Tony Awards, setting stage for TV series finale
NEW YORK: With bloody body contortions, booming blasts and brooding high school angst, 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow,' based on the 12-time Emmy-winning Netflix science fiction series 'Stranger Things,' took home Tony Awards on Sunday for best scenic design, lighting design and sound design of a play along with a special award for its illusions and technical effects. Miriam Buether, the scenic designer for 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' reflected on the journey of creating frightening moments on stage. 'We love scaring people,' she said backstage at the ceremony hosted by 'Wicked' film star Cynthia Erivo. The play, directed by Stephen Daldry, was nominated for five Tony Awards in total, including best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play for Louis McCartney for his performance as Henry Creel, the younger version of the main antagonist of the 'Stranger Things' series who is later called Vecna. 'Stranger Things: First Shadow' is one of the expansions of the 'Stranger Things' universe created by brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, who announced the launch of Upside Down Pictures in 2022, marking an overall deal with Netflix that will also include a live-action Stranger Things spin-off series. The series has spawned video games, cosplay, in-person immersive experiences and merchandise licensing deals, including the January 2025 deal with the company behind the popular Squishmallow plush toys. Last month, at Netflix's globally livestreamed fan event called 'Tudum Live,' it was announced that the 'Stranger Things' TV series would have a fifth and final season split into three parts, with part one on November 26, 2025, part two on December 25, 2025 and the series finale on December 31, 2025. The final season of 'Stranger Things' was delayed by dual Hollywood strikes in 2023. Trump-inspired Cantonese opera in Hong Kong aims to bring love and peace 'Stranger Things,' the story of a group of adolescent friends in rural Indiana in the 1980s who battle creatures from an alternate dimension called the 'Upside Down,' premiered on Netflix in 2016 and became a smash hit created by the Duffer brothers for the streaming platform. The play, produced by the Duffer brothers, takes audiences back in time to 1959, two decades before the period explored in the TV show. Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado - adult characters in the TV show - are seen as high school classmates with normal teen concerns about cars and classes until a new student named Henry arrives. Henry Creel is an odd and troubled boy that holds the future of the small town of Hawkins, Indiana in his hands. The New York cast includes 'Harlem' actor Burke Swanson as Jim Hopper, 'Shameless' actor Alison Jaye as Joyce Maldonado and McCartney as Henry Creel, who reprised his role after being in the London production. The monster-filled play debuted in London in 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre and made its New York Broadway debut in March 2025 at the Marquis Theatre.
TimesLIVE
a day ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
‘Stranger Things' play wins Tony Awards, setting stage for TV series finale
With bloody body contortions, booming blasts and brooding high school angst, Stranger Things: The First Shadow, based on the 12-time Emmy-winning Netflix science fiction series Stranger Things, took home Tony Awards on Sunday for best scenic design, lighting design and sound design of a play along with a special award for its illusions and technical effects. Miriam Buether, scenic designer for Stranger Things: The First Shadow, reflected on the journey of creating frightening moments on stage. "We love scaring people," she said backstage at the ceremony hosted by Wicked film star Cynthia Erivo. The play, directed by Stephen Daldry, was nominated for five Tony Awards, including best performance by an actor in a leading role in a play for Louis McCartney for his performance as Henry Creel, the younger version of the main antagonist of the Stranger Things series who is later called Vecna. Stranger Things: First Shadow is one of the expansions of the Stranger Thing s universe created by brothers Matt and Ross Duffer, who announced the launch of Upside Down Pictures in 2022, marking an overall deal with Netflix that will also include a live-action Stranger Things spin-off series. The series has spawned video games, cosplay, in-person immersive experiences and merchandise licensing deals, including the January 2025 deal with the company behind the popular Squishmallow plush toys. Last month, at Netflix's globally livestreamed fan event called 'Tudum Live', it was announced the Stranger Things TV series would have a fifth and final season split into three parts, with part one on November 26 2025, part two on December 25 2025 and the series finale on December 31 2025. The final season of Stranger Things was delayed by dual Hollywood strikes in 2023. Stranger Things, the story of a group of adolescent friends in rural Indiana in the 1980s who battle creatures from an alternate dimension called the "Upside Down", premiered on Netflix in 2016 and became a smash hit created by the Duffer brothers for the streaming platform. The play, produced by the Duffer brothers, takes audiences back in time to 1959, two decades before the time explored in the TV show. Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado, adult characters in the TV show, are seen as high school classmates with normal teen concerns about cars and classes until a new student named Henry arrives. Henry Creel is an odd and troubled boy who holds the future of the small town of Hawkins, Indiana in his hands. The New York cast includes Harlem actor Burke Swanson as Jim Hopper, Shameless actor Alison Jaye as Joyce Maldonado and McCartney as Henry Creel, who reprised his role after being in the London production. The monster-filled play debuted in London in 2023 at the Phoenix Theatre and made its New York Broadway debut in March 2025 at the Marquis Theatre.
Buzz Feed
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
Louis McCartney Stranger Things The First Shadow Interview
There are some spoilers ahead for Stranger Things: The First Shadow. First, what was the audition process like for Henry Creel? Since it's not just a play but something in the Stranger Things world, was the process pretty secretive? The play is directed by Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, with Stephen being renowned for his work on Billy Elliot, The Crown, and more, and Justin having just directed Prima Facie with Jodie Comer. How was it working with the two of them on this show? What's your favorite movie? Or a performance that made you want to become an actor? Since we know where Henry Creel ultimately ends up in Stranger Things, did you take any inspiration from Jamie Campbell Bower's performance as Vecna/Henry in Stranger Things Season 4? Personally, my favorite characters are often the villains who you're able to find the humanity in, and that's exactly what happens in The First Shadow with us seeing Henry before he becomes Vecna. How was it finding the nuances in him and the childlike moments? So much so that the audience really can forget where Henry ends up. Is there a Stranger Things Easter egg or detail in The First Shadow that you love? Or one fans haven't spotted yet? The Stranger Things fanbase is so into it that one of the wildest parts of sitting in the theater is watching the reaction when the theme song plays for the first time. What is it like seeing that happen night after night? What's the last TV show you binge-watched? Or one you are hyperfixated on right now? Were you a Broadway fan growing up? One of the most important relationships in the play is Henry and Patty, who is Bob Newby's sister. How has it been working with Gabrielle Nevaeh, because the two of you have such great chemistry? Being the only cast member to carry over between productions, what have been some surprising differences (or similarities) between West End audiences and the Broadway audiences? Who have you been the most starstruck by? Or who've you been surprised to find out came and saw Stranger Things: The First Shadow? Stranger Things: The First Shadow is really an amazing technical feat, and unlike anything on Broadway right now. Is there an illusion or moment that's the most technically challenging to perform every night? If you were to create a playlist for Henry Creel, what songs would you put on it? What's one book or book series you think everyone should read at least once? And finally, what have been your favorite places to visit in New York City? You can catch Louis as Henry Creel in Stranger Things: The First Shadow on Broadway now. For tickets and more info click here.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Meet the ‘Stranger Things' characters on stage in Broadway's The First Shadow prequel
Fans of Netflix's Stranger Things can now experience the supernatural drama live on stage with Stranger Things: The First Shadow, a Broadway prequel set in 1959 Hawkins, Indiana. The play explores the origins of the Upside Down and introduces younger versions of familiar characters from the TV series, offering fresh insights for longtime viewers while remaining accessible to newcomers. The story centers on Henry Creel, a reserved young boy with psychokinetic powers who later becomes the series' primary antagonist, Vecna. His transformation and the mysterious deaths in Hawkins are the play's focal points. Louis McCartney plays Henry, earning a 2025 Tony nomination for his role. Returning characters include a young Joyce Maldonado (later Joyce Byers), Bob Newby, and Jim Hopper Jr., each navigating high school drama and eerie supernatural events. The cast also features the teenage versions of Karen and Ted Wheeler, Claudia Yount and Walter Henderson, and Sue Anderson and Charles Sinclair — the future parents of key characters in the TV show. Broadway newcomer Patty Newby, not seen in the TV series, plays a significant role in Henry's early life, forming a deep connection with him as his powers emerge. Dr. Martin Brenner appears as a younger version of the controversial scientist, exploring his early experiments with Henry. The show also features live-action stage interpretations of fan-favorite monsters, including the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer, offering audiences theatrical jump scares and impressive stage effects. Directed with cinematic flair and packed with Easter eggs, Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a must-see for fans awaiting season 5 of the Netflix series.
New York Times
09-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow': What to Know About the Broadway Show
After a critically acclaimed premiere in London's West End in 2023 — where it is still running — 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow,' a play that serves as a prequel to the popular Netflix series, is set to open on April 22 at the Marquis Theater on Broadway. Of course, fans of the show, which is set to release its fifth season later this year, are excited (though it's small consolation for having to wait more than three years between seasons). But what if you can't tell a Demobat from a Demogorgon? Can you plunge right in? Here's what you need to know about the TV series, how it informs the show and more. What is the TV series about? Set in the 1980s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Ind., the Netflix series follows a group of friends as they try to get to the root of supernatural forces and secret government experiments in their town. They discover an alternate dimension — the Upside Down — filled with monstrous creatures, who are not content to sit back and leave them well alone. Over the course of four seasons, a cast anchored by Winona Ryder (Joyce Byers), David Harbour (Chief Jim Hopper), Finn Wolfhard (Mike Wheeler), Millie Bobby Brown (Eleven, a young girl with mysterious powers) and Gaten Matarazzo (Dustin Henderson) save one another from the jaws of death while navigating the complexities of their relationships. (And, in Eleven's case, eating lots of Eggo waffles.) Where does the play fall in the timeline of the TV series? It's a prequel set in 1959 — 24 years before the start of the Netflix series — and centers on a character introduced in Season 4: Henry Creel, a troubled teenager with telepathic powers who will later become Vecna, the show's primary antagonist. Who wrote the play? Kate Trefry, a writer on the TV show, wrote the script based on an original story she developed with Matt and Ross Duffer, who created the series, and with Jack Thorne (a Tony winner for 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' Thorne also wrote the recent Netflix hit mini-series 'Adolescence'). The director is Stephen Daldry, a three-time Tony winner, for 'The Inheritance,' 'Billy Elliot,' and 'An Inspector Calls'; Justin Martin is the co-director. Which characters from the TV series are in the play? You'll meet high school versions of a number of familiar characters from the series' adult cast, including James Hopper Jr. (Burke Swanson), Joyce Byers née Maldonado (Alison Jaye) and Bob Newby (Juan Carlos). A younger version of the scientist Dr. Martin Brenner (Alex Breaux) is also in play, having been tasked with studying Henry Creel (Louis McCartney). What is 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' about? Henry Creel and his family have just arrived in Hawkins, seeking a fresh start — which proves more difficult than they expect. Meanwhile, the rebellious young Jim Hopper, the son of the town police chief, can't seem to do anything right; the spunky Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and leave town, stat (but still has a thing for bad boys); and the tech nerd Bob is hopelessly in love with her. (She is oblivious.) Soon enough, this tangle of typical teenage troubles butts up against a sinister alternate universe, the Upside Down. A wave of gruesome crimes strikes the town, which Jim, Joyce and Bob set out to solve, as Henry reckons with his troubled past, dark powers and the nagging suspicion that he has something to do with all of it. Is the play canonical to the TV series? Yes. Trefry, who wrote the script while also writing Seasons 4 and 5 of the TV series, has said the play acts as a bridge between Season 4 and the forthcoming Season 5. The plan is to reintroduce elements from the play in Season 5 so that everything will still make sense to people who haven't seen the play. Are any of the actors from the TV series in it? No, but you can catch Sadie Sink, who plays the tomboyish skateboarder Max Mayfield, starring in 'John Proctor Is the Villain' one block over at the Booth Theater. What if I haven't watched the TV series? The show's creators say the story is designed to be able to stand alone. But, having seen the show in London, I would strongly advise that you watch at least a few episodes of the series first — going in blind is akin to attending 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,' a stage sequel that relies on knowledge of all seven books or films, without having any knowledge of them. You will only be getting part of the story. Is it scary? Like the Netflix series, the play balances horror and comedy. (Justin Martin, the play's co-director, has cited 'The Woman in Black' as an influence.) If you like jump scares, this show is for you! What did critics in London think? British critics were mostly enthusiastic: In The Sunday Times, Dominic Maxwell wrote that it was 'a tremendous technical feat that is also moving, amusing and surprising,' while in The Daily Telegraph, the critic Dominic Cavendish called it 'the theatrical event of the year.' The production also won two Olivier Awards — the British equivalent of the Tony Awards — for best entertainment or comedy play and best set design. But in The New York Times, the critic Houman Barekat was unimpressed, describing it as 'a gaudy, vertiginous fairground ride of a play.' (Reviews for the Broadway production will come out April 22, when the show is slated to open.) Is this the same show that's running in London? Mostly, yes. The characters and plot are the same, though the show is 15 minutes shorter — two hours and 45 minutes on Broadway compared with three hours across the pond — after the creative team did some nipping and tucking. They are also making some changes to the physical production in previews, including adding a couple of illusions and reworking scenes to take advantage of a bigger theater. The cast — with the exception of Louis McCartney, who reprises his performance as Henry Creel from the original West End production — is different as well, and the characters are not carbon copies of their West End versions. Hopper, for one, has much more vulnerability here, Martin, the play's co-director, said in a recent interview. 'You're seeing a second draft,' he said. 'This time around, having all the knowledge from the West End, it was about, how do we now push this idea further, or how do we achieve this illusion that didn't quite work?' 'It's the same story,' he added, 'But I just think it's richer and deeper.' Where is the show? 'The First Shadow' is at the Marquis Theater on West 46th Street, between Broadway and Eighth Avenue. The theater is inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel, on the third floor (enter through the lobby, then take the escalators up). Looking for the stage door to meet the actors after the show? It's on 45th Street, across from the Minskoff Theater, where 'The Lion King' is playing. How do I get cheap tickets? Same-day rush tickets are $40 and available in person at the Marquis Theater box office on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two per person. The box office generally opens at 10 a.m., and you'll want to get there before then — possibly well before then — to join the line. The show also has an online lottery, which offers $45 tickets for every performance, up to two per entry (you can enter once per day). It opens at 10 a.m. the day before each performance and closes at 2 p.m. that same day. In both cases, you can increase your odds of winning by trying on a day when there are two performances scheduled (generally Saturdays). I just want to know: Will I hear that earworm-y theme music? Yes. Rest assured, the play makes liberal use of the Netflix show's signature electro-ethereal theme music. (The floating red letters also make an appearance.)
