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Stranger Things Prequel Play Sweeps Technical Tonys on Broadway

Industry recognition for the production’s illusions and design comes ahead of the Netflix series’ three-part final season

Miriam Buether and 59 Studio accept Best Scenic Design of a Play for Stranger Things: The First Shadow, at the 78th Annual Tony Awards pre show in New York City, U.S., June 8, 2025. REUTERS/Brendan Mcdermid
Miriam Buether and 59 Studio pose with the award for Best Scenic Design of a Play for Stranger Things: The First Shadow, at the 78th Annual Tony Awards in New York City, U.S., June 8, 2025. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon
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Overview

  • Stranger Things: The First Shadow won Tony Awards for Best Scenic Design, Best Lighting Design and Best Sound Design of a Play, along with a special award for its illusions and technical effects.
  • The stage production, directed by Stephen Daldry and produced by Matt and Ross Duffer, is set in 1959 and explores the origins of key characters from the Netflix series.
  • After debuting at London’s Phoenix Theatre in December 2023, the play opened at Broadway’s Marquis Theatre in March 2025 and earned five Tony nominations in total.
  • Louis McCartney received a nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of Henry Creel, the younger version of the series’ antagonist Vecna.
  • Netflix plans to release the fifth and final season of Stranger Things in three parts later this year, with the play’s acclaim enriching the franchise’s expanded universe.