Theater

“Stranger Things: The First Shadow” hit the West End in 2023, delivering audiences an action-packed prequel to the beloved Netflix series, “Stranger Things.” The jaw-dropping play shares the origin stories of iconic characters like Joyce Byers, Jim Hopper, and, of course, Henry Creel.

The play, which transferred to Broadway in April of this year, also introduces audiences to some new additions to the Upside Down, like confident outcast Patty Newby. Related to Bob Newby, Patty plays an integral role in the production, navigating a complicated relationship with her father and developing a close relationship with Henry. 

Television actress Gabrielle Nevaeh took on the challenge of acquainting Broadway audiences with Patty after landing the role last year. Although the seasoned television actress was more than familiar with the “Stranger Things” universe, she told The Knockturnal she was anxious about bringing an unknown character to the stage.

“I took it upon myself to go back and re-watch the series and really make sure that my artistry and my creation fit in the ‘Stranger Things’ universe,” Nevaeh remarked. “Especially given my Nickelodeon background, I really wanted to make sure that my performance was grounded in the mythology of [the franchise] and stayed true to the tone of the story.”

As Nevaeh was bringing Patty to life in the rehearsal room, she was also gearing up for her Broadway debut.

“This [was] my very first time ever stepping foot on a stage,” Nevaeh told The Knockturnal. “So that was extraordinarily daunting.”

Nevaeh told The Knockturnal that as a child, she struggled with “crippling performance anxiety,” leading her to discover she was more comfortable in front of a camera. However, after spending years making her name in the television industry, Nevaeh was ready for something new. 

“But at 18 years old, when [‘Stranger Things: The First Shadow’] came across my desk, I was like, ‘Okay, maybe, maybe I’ll just give this my best shot’ with no intentions of actually getting the job,” Nevaeh explained. “But then, as I went through the audition process and the reality of actually getting the job became more tangible, I felt that maybe [playing] Patty Newby could be the love letter to my younger self, and could pay homage to that shy girl that couldn’t even speak in front of 25 people.”

After months of rehearsal, Nevaeh’s hard work came to fruition on opening night. She called the monumental day “absolutely incredible,” and will never forget her first bow.

“You know, you look out to the audience, they’re on their feet, they’re clapping, they’re cheering, and this is my first time standing up there as — at that time — a 19-year-old woman who remembered what that 11-year-old girl felt like,” Nevaeh said. “Now she’s able to stand in front of an entire audience of people who are clapping essentially for what she just did on stage, you know. And I think that little girl will never leave me. I hope she never does.”

Beyond honoring her childhood self, Nevaeh’s move to Broadway marks a new chapter in her acting career. She told The Knockturnal that she’s “extraordinarily optimistic” about her future and hopes to be part of the upcoming film adaptation of “John Proctor is the Villain,” and audition for “The Princess Diaries 3.”

“I want to be the next big movie star. That’s my goal,” she said.

Buy tickets to “Stranger Things: The First Shadow” here.