Behind the Curtains: A Disastrous Journey

Behind the Curtain, a Netflix documentary chronicling the making of *Stranger Things: The First Shadow*, aims to depict the struggles behind creating a hit stage production. However, after watching the play at New York’s Marquis Theatre last week, it feels more like a cautionary tale about how an Oscar-nominated director and a Tony-winning producer birthed one of the worst Broadway shows I’ve ever witnessed.

A Teaser Disguised as a Play

In an era where great art emerges from commercialism, *The First Shadow* blatantly serves as a prolonged advertisement for the final season of Netflix’s beloved show. Stretched out to nearly three hours and costing over $300 for top tickets, it narrates the teenage years of Henry Creel—who eventually becomes the menacing Vecna. However, while it attempts to explore the younger versions of fan-favorite characters like Joyce Byers and Jim Hopper, the production is stifled by corporate directives to avoid revealing key plot points, limiting its substance.

The Struggles of Creation

The documentary mirrors the constraints of the play’s production. As opening night loomed, tensions rose while the script remained in flux, and the special effects faltered. Cinematographer Geraint Thomas transitions from a supportive witness to an unwelcome presence as critical decisions unfold behind closed doors. Key moments hint at the disastrous state of the play, with novice playwright Kate Trefry struggling to articulate its story, fumbling through a nebulous explanation.

Lost in Translation

Although Trefry started as a writer for *Stranger Things*, her inexperience with playwriting becomes evident. At one point, she has to inform the creative team that plot points had to be omitted due to changes in the show’s final season. As a result, discussions about pivotal story cuts are treated like state secrets, leaving audiences in the dark.

Bland Banter and Lackluster Drama

Fans familiar with the show will not find surprises in the storyline. The play elaborates on Henry’s descent into darkness, showcasing banal interactions among teenagers at Hawkins High rather than the gripping mix of small-town life with otherworldly elements that characterized the series. The characters’ dialogues feel more reminiscent of a lighthearted musical than the suspenseful narrative fans crave.

Visual Effects Fail to Impress

While the play attempts to impress through elaborate visuals—ghostly apparitions and disorienting projections—the reliance on digital screens detracts from the overall spectacle. The interactions lack the thrilling theatricality seen in other productions like *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*. McCartney, the only actor reprising his role from London, struggles with a poorly developed character.

A Singular Glimmer of Hope

Gabrielle Nevaeh stands out as Patty, Bob’s younger sister. As the only new character, her genuine portrayal offers a glimpse into the deeper themes of teenage struggle, which had previously made the show resonate. Unfortunately, her performance is an oasis in a chaotic production meticulously crafted to drive viewers back to the Netflix series.

The Final Verdict

Stephen Daldry aptly states, 'When theater’s great, it can be the most exciting thing you’ve ever seen. When it’s not great, it’s really, really, really, really terrible.' Despite some favorable reviews and even an Olivier award, *Stranger Things: The First Shadow* ultimately falls short of greatness, leaving many questioning its place on Broadway.