Stranger Things

[foxy]

Probably most people know this is based on a hit tv show on Netflix. I watched a few episodes in the beginning and then just lost interest. Now there’s a Broadway show. It sounds like there’s lots of stage special effects and I’m somewhat intrigued. I remember going to see the a Harry Potter Cursed Child play and while I liked the books and movies I didn’t think the play was very good. And I saw the 2 part, all in one day performance. It was a long play. The stage magic was good but still didn’t make me love the show. 
Now I’m starting to see discount tickets on tdf for Stranger Things. I’m thinking I should go back to Netflix and try the series again before considering buying a ticket for the play, or buy the ticket and go cold. Or maybe just pass on the whole thing. Wondering if anyone has seen the show and what they thought about it? 

[foxy]

So I’m replying to my own post. This afternoon I saw a 1pm performance of Stranger Things, The First Shadow. I found a $55 seat on TDf that turned out to be quite a good seat. Third row center in the mezzanine. This is another show that I think is best seen from above. The Marquis Theater is a big barn of a theater. But the sight lines are good and unobstructed. 
This is a show full of spectacle and stage magic. Much is very impressive. It did well with awards in London. 
Today the mezzanine looked to be only about half full so no telling what that portends for the future box office. 
As I originally stated this show is based on the hit tv series on Netflix. I’ve since been rewatching the first season to refresh my memory. A fifth is in the works. It’s a lot to watch. 
The play is a prequel so technically you don’t need to have watched the series ahead of time. But frankly I think most people would be confused if they didn’t have some basic knowledge of the story. 
I don’t think I could recommend this play to someone who just wanted a more typical Broadway experience. Cross it off your list unless you are a fan of the show. 
I do have to say I was impressed with the young actor Louis McCartney who plays the lead , Henry Creel. He was onstage almost the entire 3 hours contorting himself and putting out a really athletic performance. 

 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

I haven't read many good things about this production.

From my perspective, this show doesn't have the fanbase with the disposable income to run for long.  It's not Harry Potter.

You can only sell sizzle in a musical for so long.  Eventually, without the steak, the audience realizes what's happening.

Netflix has a lot of money in this show, so if they flop, it's a write-off and a minimal loss versus their usual projects.

 

[+ ApexNomad]

Seems like an odd choice to spin a musical out of. Admittedly, I’ve never watched the show so I can’t really say. Only read about and seen a few clips. 

[foxy]

It’s actually not a musical which is a relief. I admit I went in thinking it wouldn’t be great but curious about the “special effects” some of which were impressive. However I don’t think that was enough to make for a satisfying theatrical experience. But the audience must have been full of fans of the tv show since they were very enthusiastic. I’ll continue watching the tv show unless (until) ennui sets in. 

[foxy]

I have to correct myself. There are a few musical moments in this show but I wouldn’t strictly classify it as a musical. I’ll leave it at that. 

[d.anders]

The buzz surrounding the Netflix show was intense in the beginning. I watched S1, and found it interesting. Somewhere along the line beyond S1, I felt the story had jumped the shark. I couldn't stop rolling my eyes, and I grew tired of the dark hallways with flash lights attempt at scaring me. I stopped watching. I was surprised they brought some version to Broadway. Somebody likes to gamble.