In a newly released trailer, Louis McCartney, portraying young Henry Creel, is seen grappling with his identity, repeatedly murmuring, “It’s not real. I’m normal.” This phrase encapsulates his struggle to reconcile his emerging powers with his desire for normalcy.
Under the direction of Stephen Daldry, with Justin Martin as co-director, the play takes the audience back to Hawkins High School. Here, well-known characters from the ‘Stranger Things’ series are portrayed as teenagers. Among them, Henry Creel emerges as a mysterious and troubled individual, struggling to cope with his developing powers and his sense of isolation.
Written by Kate Trefry, the narrative reveals Henry’s transformation, capturing his internal conflict and eventual acceptance of his powers. The storyline aligns with his portrayal in the fourth season of the series, where he is known as Vecna, and sets the stage for his anticipated role in the upcoming season.
The play’s official logline offers a glimpse into 1959 Hawkins, painting a picture of a seemingly ordinary town with underlying darkness. It says, “Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously, and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy … and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.”
Further, the cast features Ella Karuna Williams as Patty Newby, Isabella Pappas as Joyce Maldonado, Oscar Lloyd as Jim Hopper Jr., and Christopher Buckley as Bob Newby. Their performances promise to bring a fresh yet familiar dynamic to the beloved characters.
‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’ has already garnered significant attention, with its run in London’s West End extended to 2025. The play is expected to debut on Broadway next year, bringing the haunting tale of Henry Creel’s origin to a wider audience.
