The highly anticipated release of the fifth and final season of Netflix's hit sci-fi series “Stranger Things” has significantly boosted the stage prequel, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” The Broadway production, which has been running at the Marquis Theater since April, achieved a new box office milestone, grossing an impressive $2,510,948 across nine shows during the week ending December 28. This figure marks the highest nine-show total ever recorded at the Marquis Theater, underscoring the strong impact of the parent series' finale.

The surge in ticket sales for “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” directly correlates with the staggered release of “Stranger Things” Season 5 episodes. The season debuted with four episodes on Thanksgiving, followed by three on Christmas, with the series finale still slated for New Year’s Day. This strategic release schedule has generated immense fan excitement, translating into record-high sales for the theatrical production, both on Broadway and for its counterpart running in London’s West End, where the play originally premiered in 2023.

Set in Hawkins, Indiana, in 1959, “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” delves into the backstory of the Creel family. The play’s official description outlines a narrative where “the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially their teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his troubled past.” Initially, Henry finds stability, building friendships and participating in the school play. However, as a wave of shocking crimes sweeps through the town, Henry is compelled to confront a terrifying revelation: a potential intrinsic connection between himself and the escalating horrors around him, hinting at the origins of his eventual transformation into Vecna.

Further amplifying the play's connection to the series, Jamie Campbell Bower, who portrays Henry Creel, also known as Vecna, in the television series, made a special cameo appearance. Bower joined a performance of “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” on December 19, appearing in the final scene as part of the celebration surrounding “Stranger Things” Season 5. This cameo occurred before the specific week that led to the Marquis Theatre’s record-breaking box office success.