When we think of science fiction we tend to think of movies and television. But the genre appears in many other media types, from theater to opera. Today the nominees for the 2025 Tony Theater Awards were announced and they include one of the very few sci-fi Broadway plays.

Three shows—”Death Becomes Her,” “Maybe Happy Ending,” and “Buena Vista Social Club”—led the pack of 78th annual Tony Award candidates released early Thursday, each receiving ten nods.

The nominees, announced by Tony Award winners Sarah Paulson and Wendell Pierce, included several Hollywood heavyweights. George Clooney, Sarah Snook, Sadie Sink, and Bob Odenkirk were also nominated.

Stranger Things: The First Shadow Nominated for Tony Awards

The Broadway play Stranger Things: The First Shadow has been nominated for five awards: one acting and four technical awards.

• “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Play” by Louis McCartney who plays the lead role of Henry Creel
• “Best Scenic Design of a Play” by Miriam Buether and 59
• “Best Costume Design of a Play” by Brigitte Reiffenstuel
• “Best Lighting Design of a Play” by Jon Clark
• “Best Sound Design of a Play” by Paul Arditti

The First Shadow is a stage play that acts as a prequel to the Netflix series, focusing on the events leading up to the first season. The play, created by Kate Trefry and based on the Duffer Brothers’ original plot, centers on Henry Creel’s adolescent years before becoming the villain Vecna. It also shows teenage versions of other characters such as Jim Hopper, Joyce Byers, and Bob Newby.

Here’s the official synopsis for the play:

In 1959, Hawkins, Indiana, the Creel family seeks a fresh start, especially Their Teenage son Henry, who is eager to escape his Troubled Past. Initially, Things go well—he finds friendship and joins the school play. But when a wave of shocking crimes strikes The Town, Henry is forced to confront a Terrifying Truth: Is something inside him that connects him to the horrors unfolding around him?

As this thrilling mystery races forward, shadows of the past are unleashed, relationships are tested, and the town of Hawkins faces the ultimate question: can the power of friendship outshine the darkness within?

Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which plays on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre, stars Louis McCartney as Henry Creel.

McCartney made his theatrical debut as Henry in the London world premiere of Stranger Things: The First Shadow, solidifying his status as a breakout star by winning “Best Performer” in a Play at The theatrical Debut Awards in 2024.

Maybe Happy Ends Nominated for Tony Awards

Maybe Happy Ends is an English adaptation of the Korean play that ran for multiple seasons. It stars Darren Criss as Oliver and Helen J Shen as Claire.

Here’s the synopsis

Inside a one-room apartment in the heart of Seoul, Oliver lives a happily quiet life listening to jazz records and caring for his favorite plant. But what else is there to do when you’re a HelperBot 3, a robot that has long been retired and considered obsolete? When his fellow HelperBot neighbor Claire asks to borrow his charger, what starts as an awkward encounter leads to a unique friendship, a surprising adventure, and maybe even…love?

The show tied Buena Vista Social Club and Death Becomes Her for the most Tony nominations this season. It received ten nominations, including Best Musical and Best Leading Actor in a Musical, for Darren Criss. Here’s the list:

• “Best Musical”
• “Best Book of a Musical” for Will Aronson and Hue Park
• “Best Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role In A Musical” for Darren Criss
• “Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre” by Will Aronson and Hue Park
• “Best Original Score Written For The Theatre” for the song “Maybe Happy Ending” by Will Aronson and Hue Park
• “Best Scenic Design Of A Musical” by Dane Laffrey and George Reeve
• “Best Costume Design Of A Musical” by Clint Ramos
• “Best Lighting Design Of A Musical” by Ben Stanton
• “Best Sound Design Of A Musical” by Peter Hylenski
• “Best Direction of a Musical” by Michael Arden
• “Best Orchestrations” by Will Aronson

Broadway’s greatest night, hosted by “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, will happen on June 8 at 8 p.m. ET at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Stream the American Music Awards live Monday at 8PM ET/5PM PT on Paramount+. Get started!

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Would you like to watch the play? Are there any other science-fiction plays you think should have been nominated?

(Via NBC News)