London, England – Behind the Curtain, a documentary on the making of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced in bringing the hit play to life on the grand stage. While the documentary aims to showcase the creative process and triumphs of transforming a popular show into a theatrical production, those who have seen The First Shadow at New York’s Marquis Theatre may view it quite differently. Directed by an Oscar-nominated director and produced by a Tony-winning producer, the play receives harsh criticism as one of the worst Broadway productions ever witnessed.
The play, serving as a prelude to the final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, comes with a hefty price tag and an extended runtime, leaving some viewers feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The plot delves into the teenage years of Henry Creel, showcasing his transformation into the series’ antagonist, Vecna, under the influence of Dr. Martin Brenner. However, the play struggles to provide meaningful insights into the characters’ origins while maintaining a veil of secrecy to entice fans without revealing too much.
Throughout Behind the Curtain, viewers witness the challenges faced by the production team as they struggle with script revisions, technical glitches, and pressure to maintain the element of surprise for the audience. The documentary sheds light on the inexperience of the play’s playwright, Kate Trefry, whose lack of familiarity with theatrical storytelling becomes apparent as the production faces major setbacks and rewrites. The conflicts between staying true to the show’s essence and creating a standalone theatrical experience become evident, leading to creative tensions and compromises behind the scenes.
Despite the high production values and visual effects showcased in The First Shadow, the play fails to captivate audiences and falls short of delivering a compelling narrative. With a heavy reliance on digital projections and screen technology, the theatrical experience feels disconnected and lacks the immersive quality that theater enthusiasts seek. The performances by the cast members, including standout moments by Gabrielle Nevaeh as Patty, offer glimpses of depth amidst the chaotic production, but the overall spectacle overshadows the emotional core of the story.
As Behind the Curtain unwraps the layers of challenges faced during the making of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, it becomes apparent that even with a talented creative team, translating a beloved TV series into a theatrical production is no easy feat. The documentary serves as a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of commercialization and spectacle overpowering the essence of storytelling, leaving audiences questioning the trade-offs between hype and substance in the world of entertainment.