“T.R. Knight Returns to Broadway After 10 Years With a Vow: ‘I Won’t Stay Away Again’ (Exclusive)”
T.R. Knight’s homecoming to theater feels perfectly natural. The Emmy-nominated Grey’s Anatomy star shares candid insights with PEOPLE about his Broadway resurgence in Stranger Things: The First Shadow after a ten-year hiatus from live performance.
This prequel to Netflix’s cultural phenomenon began previews on March 28, with its grand opening slated for April 22 at New York’s Marquis Theatre. “The stage shaped my artistry,” Knight reveals. “Most of my career roots lie in theater. This return fills a creative void I’ve carried since moving westward.”
Knight’s last Broadway appearance dates back to 2014’s revival of It’s Only a Play, where he replaced Rupert Grint mid-run. Time’s passage surprised even the seasoned performer: “I swore it’d been six years,” he chuckles. “Checking the calendar shocked me – a full decade evaporated!”
In this crossover theatrical event, Knight embodies Victor Creel – patriarch to Henry Creel (later known as Vecna). The narrative transplants audiences to 1959 Hawkins, Indiana, chronicling the family’s unraveling amidst paranormal turmoil. “Victor’s tragic arc captivated me,” Knight explains. “Though I’ve dabbled in horror with Hulu’s 11.22.63, this Shakespearean-level darkness is uncharted territory.”
The production merges cutting-edge tech with practical stagecraft, challenging even veteran performers. “It’s a masterclass in storytelling alchemy,” Knight observes. “We’re blending retro effects with digital innovations to expand theatrical possibilities.”
Featuring youthful incarnations of fan-favorite characters like Jim Hopper (Burke Swanson) and Joyce Maldonado (Alison Jaye), the play serves as essential viewing for series devotees. The creative team unites minds from Stranger Things (Duffer Brothers, Kate Trefry) and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Jack Thorne), helmed by three-time Tony winner Stephen Daldry.
With 26 cast members including West End transplant Louis McCartney reprising Henry Creel, the ensemble breathes life into 1950s Hawkins. Dr. Brenner’s ominous presence manifests through Alex Breaux’s performance, while Andrew Hovelson and Gabrielle Nevaeh portray the Newby family anchors.
Tickets for this genre-defying theatrical experience are currently available through official channels.
Source: Adapted from People
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