Netflix is releasing a documentary that chronicles the premiere of the Stranger Things stage play in London. Could the thriller/horror genre translate to the stage? It was a significant challenge, and in 2023, with the fifth season of the series still pending, this bold adaptation premiered at the Phoenix Theatre in London’s West End.
Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow offers an unprecedented look at the intricate process of bringing the world of Hawkins, Indiana, to the stage. The documentary meticulously follows the play’s journey, from its initial concept and scriptwriting to its highly anticipated debut in London’s prestigious West End. Viewers will get exclusive, never-before-seen video footage, along with intimate interviews with the cast and the visionary creative team that worked tirelessly to bring this prequel to life. Director Jon Halperin, known for his work on A Trip to Infinity, guides this behind-the-scenes exploration. The documentary is produced by Angus Wall, Kent Kubena, and Terry Leonard, with Matt Bell serving as executive producer.
The documentary’s emphasis on the West End production, even with the play’s subsequent Broadway opening, highlights the initial London production’s significant impact and critical acclaim. As we’ll see, it was a resounding success in London, evidenced by its three Olivier Awards.
The Origin of the Play
The play stemmed from a fascinating idea conceived by the creators of the beloved Netflix series, Matt and Ross Duffer, in collaboration with Jack Thorne and Kate Trefry. Kate Trefry, who also serves as a writer and co-executive producer for the Stranger Things series, penned the intricate script. The narrative unfolds in the familiar, yet earlier setting of Hawkins, Indiana, specifically in 1959, long before the adventures of Mike, Eleven, and their friends that audiences have come to know. At its core, the play delves into the story of the Creel family’s arrival in Hawkins, focusing especially on the formative years of Henry Creel, the character who would eventually become the terrifying villain known as Vecna in the main series. According to the Duffer brothers, this theatrical production serves as a crucial origin story for the entire Stranger Things saga, including the beginnings of the mysterious and menacing Upside Down. The involvement of the original creators, along with accomplished writers like Jack Thorne, known for his work on Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Kate Trefry, demonstrates a concerted effort to ensure that the prequel aligns seamlessly with the established Stranger Things mythology, while also introducing new theatrical elements. This combination of television and theater expertise likely played a significant role in the play’s success.
From Script to Stage
The theatrical production is brought to life under the direction of three-time Tony Award winner Stephen Daldry, with Justin Martin as co-director. The creative team responsible for the stage’s visual and auditory landscape includes set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Brigitte Reiffenstuel, lighting designer Jon Clark, sound designer Paul Arditti, and original music composer D.J. Walde.
The cast features Louis McCartney in the pivotal role of young Henry Creel in both the West End and Broadway productions. Other notable cast members portray younger versions of beloved characters, such as Burke Swanson as James Hopper Jr., Alison Jaye as Joyce Maldonado, and Juan Carlos as Bob Newby. The play is characterized by its elaborate sets, dazzling visual effects, and meticulously choreographed scenes, all of which contribute to an immersive theatrical experience. The involvement of a director of Stephen Daldry’s caliber underscores the play’s high artistic aspirations. His extensive experience in both theater and film likely provided a unique lens for merging the cinematic qualities of Stranger Things with the distinct demands of live performance. This level of directing expertise adds significant weight to the production’s credibility and heightens anticipation for both the play and the documentary.
About the Documentary
Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow is a captivating look for theater enthusiasts, whether or not they are fans of the original series. The documentary aims to reveal the behind-the-scenes details of creating a play, from the production stage and the script, to the first readings, initial rehearsals, rehearsals with an audience, and the incorporation of special effects.
In this case, it was even more complicated, because it dealt with a genre not often seen represented in theater: can terror be effectively produced on a stage? That was the challenge faced by these professionals, who gave their all to produce a theatrical success that would resonate with audiences.
If you’ve attended a play in the West End, you already know: today’s productions are spectacular, full of light, effects, and pace, attractive, and a complete experience for the viewer. The Stranger Things play competed with the spectacle of so many other productions and, at the same time, had to satisfy the series’ fans.
A prequel in the form of a stage play that was launched in 2023 and now arrives in the form of a documentary about how it came to life.
Enjoy!
Where to Watch “Behind the Curtain: Stranger Things The First Shadow”
