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Stranger Things: The First Shadow, based on the popular Netflix series Stranger Things, made a notable impact at the Tony Awards 2025. The play, which serves as a prequel to the events of the TV show, won several major awards, including Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design, and Best Sound Design for a Play.
Directed by Stephen Daldry, the production has captivated Broadway audiences and received praise for its immersive storytelling and visual effects. For the Stranger Things franchise—expanding from TV to stage—its success at the Tony Awards marks a major turning point.
Tony Awards 2025: Stranger Things: The First Shadow wins big
At the 2025 Tony Awards, Stranger Things: The First Shadow was one of the standout winners. The play won Best Scenic Design in a Play, Best Lighting Design in a Play, and Best Sound Design in a Play awards. These successes highlight the effort put into bringing the world of Hawkins, Indiana, to life on stage.
The play's use of sound and visuals to immerse viewers in the Stranger Things universe received widespread praise. Much of the production's success was credited to the work of Miriam Buether on scenic design, Jon Clark on lighting, and Paul Arditti on sound.
In addition to these wins, Stranger Things: The First Shadow was nominated for five Tony Awards, including Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play for Louis McCartney's portrayal of Henry Creel, the young version of the series' antagonist, Vecna. Although McCartney did not win, the play’s triumph in technical categories solidified its place in Broadway history.
Read More: 7 characters that deserve more screen time in Stranger Things season 5
Paul Arditti at 78th Annual Tony Awards (Image via Getty)While Stranger Things: The First Shadow garnered significant attention, there were other big winners at the 2025 Tony Awards. Maybe Happy Ending, a South Korean musical, was the night's biggest winner with six awards, including Best Musical.
Nicole Scherzinger received the award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her part in Sunset Boulevard, while Darren Criss won Best Actor in a Musical for his part in Maybe Happy Ending.
More about Stranger Things: The First Shadow
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a stage adaptation that serves as a prequel to the popular Netflix series. Written by Kate Trefry, the play explores the origins of the characters from Stranger Things before the events of the TV show.
Set in 1959, it follows the high school lives of Jim Hopper and Joyce Maldonado as they navigate typical teen concerns, until a new student, Henry Creel, arrives and sets in motion events that will shape the town of Hawkins. The play creates the spooky mood that series buffs anticipate and layers the backstories of the characters.
The production premiered in London's West End in 2023 and later opened on Broadway in 2025. Oscar Lloyd plays James Hopper Jr., while Isabella Pappas plays Joyce Maldonado.
Particularly acclaimed for its eerie intensity is Louis McCartney's performance of Henry Creel, who finally turns into the infamous Vecna in the Stranger Things series. Officially opening in April 2025, the Broadway show continues to capture viewers with its combination of deep character development and supernatural suspense.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Tony Awards 2025.
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Edited by Shubham Soni
English (US)