Podcast Summary: "Broadway is 'Upside Down'! The 'Stranger Things' Episode"

Podcast: The Broadway Show: Uncut
Host: Tamsen Fadal
Release Date: August 6, 2025
Episode Title: Broadway is 'Upside Down'! The 'Stranger Things' Episode

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Broadway Show: Uncut, host Tamsen Fadal delves into the groundbreaking Broadway adaptation of the popular Netflix series Stranger Things. Tamsen introduces the episode by highlighting how Broadway has been "turned upside down" by the prequel play titled Stranger Things: The First Shadow. This adaptation promises to expand the beloved universe of Stranger Things by exploring the backstory of one of its enigmatic villains, Henry Creel.

Interview with Louis McCartney

Settling into New York and the Broadway Community

Louis McCartney, a Tony-nominated actor portraying Henry Creel, shares his transition to New York City. Having officially moved to the city on January 14th, Louis reflects on his nearly seven-month experience living in the bustling metropolis.

[00:48] Louis McCartney: "I've been here officially since January 14th. So it's coming up on, what, six, seven months now."

Louis expresses his appreciation for the inclusive and supportive Broadway community, contrasting it with his experiences in London. He emphasizes the familial atmosphere and the ease of making connections within the theater circles.

[01:12] Louis McCartney: "The inclusivity has been really nice."

Portraying Henry Creel: Character Depth and Storytelling

Delving into his role as Henry Creel, Louis explains that the play serves as a prequel to the TV series, offering a more nuanced portrayal of the character previously seen as the enigmatic sociopath in Stranger Things.

[02:30] Louis McCartney: "We're giving a bit of paint to that. You're saying, why? Why is he like that?"

Louis assures listeners that familiarity with the Stranger Things series enhances the experience but is not a prerequisite to appreciate the play's narrative depth and character development.

[03:33] Louis McCartney: "But it's very human, and it's very Greek. You know, you'll have a Hamlet archetype with the protagonist, Henry Creel."

Auditioning and the Creative Process

Louis recounts his audition journey, highlighting the rigorous process and the eventual casting in the role of Henry. He describes the challenges of working in the unforgiving rehearsal space at Three Mills in London, which contributed to the play's gritty atmosphere.

[03:45] Louis McCartney: "We were creating a play in a place that didn't want us to create a play. And we were going, no, we want to create this story here."

Vocal Training and Performance Maintenance

Maintaining the character's voice was a significant aspect of Louis's preparation. He credits dialect coaches William Conacher and Liz Hayes for helping him refine his American accent and develop the physicality required for the role.

[09:58] Louis McCartney: "It's just a job. But you also need to be prepared to, you know, say, like, this is the, like, last night's performance."

Tony Nomination and Personal Reflections

Receiving a Tony nomination alongside George Clooney was a monumental moment for Louis. He shares his excitement and the surreal experience of discovering his nomination.

[12:24] Louis McCartney: "It's wild. You know, I met him once, and he was a really nice guy... He was like, well done."

Louis also discusses his wardrobe choices for the Tony Awards, emphasizing collaboration with his partner and stylist to achieve a look that is both smart and youthful.

Future Aspirations and Audience Engagement

Looking ahead, Louis expresses his desire to continue in theater, mentioning roles like the MC in Cabaret and a potential reboot of the Aragon series. He also highlights the diverse and enthusiastic audience, noting that a significant portion are first-time theatergoers attracted by the Stranger Things connection.

[16:22] Tamsen Fadal: "I love the fact that that's such a new audience because that is such an important integration right now is to bring that in and to bring all people into theater."

Interview with T.R. Knight

Behind the Scenes of "Stranger Things: The First Shadow"

Following a brief advertisement break, Tamsen Fadal welcomes T.R. Knight, another star of the Stranger Things prequel. T.R. provides insights into the technological marvels of the production, emphasizing the blend of special effects and intimate storytelling.

[18:30] T.R. Knight: "There's this kind of massive machinery to it. But then it also exists as this kind of quiet tragedy of a play as well."

Working with Esteemed Directors and a Large Ensemble

T.R. discusses the honor of working under the direction of Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin, highlighting the collaborative effort required for a cast of 34 members, many of whom are making their Broadway debuts.

[21:08] T.R. Knight: "It's really a lot. And a lot of them are making their Broadway debuts. Most of them are."

Balancing Tragedy and Technological Elements

The role demands a deep emotional connection amid the play's complex technological elements. T.R. describes the challenges of portraying a damaged individual while navigating the intricate special effects that define the production.

[23:28] T.R. Knight: "It's a ride. It's like one of those roles where it's just like the tap root has to go really deep."

Theater vs. Television: A Personal Preference

T.R. shares his profound appreciation for theater, contrasting it with the isolating nature of film and television work. He emphasizes the communal and collaborative essence of live performances, which he finds deeply fulfilling.

[26:36] T.R. Knight: "It feels like home... the community, building something together."

Future Projects and Continuation in Theater

Expressing his passion for theater, T.R. mentions his interest in exploring more challenging roles and participating in productions that offer rich collaborative experiences.

Conclusion

Tamsen Fadal wraps up the episode by inviting listeners to secure their tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow through Broadway.com, emphasizing the play's unique blend of beloved lore and fresh theatrical storytelling.

[29:15] T.R. Knight: "It's a lot of good energy. And that's something that Sonya, from the start, she's impressive in so many, so many ways."

The episode offers a comprehensive look into the intersection of popular television narratives and live theater, showcasing the dedication and passion of actors like Louis McCartney and T.R. Knight in bringing Stranger Things to the Broadway stage.

Tune in next week for more behind-the-scenes insights and extended interviews with Broadway's biggest stars!