Ayana Cymone Stars in Broadway's 'Stranger Things: The First Shadow' as Black Lead

Ayana Cymone has taken over the lead role of Patty Newby in the Tony‑winning Broadway production "Stranger Things: The First Shadow" at the Marquis Theatre. The character, created for the stage by writer Kate Trefry, is the adopted sister of Bob Newby and the love interest of Henry Creel. Cymone, who previously understudied the part, now performs eight shows a week, delivering the emotional core of the play.

In an interview she said, “It was always my dream to play a young Black girl where the story doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with her being Black.” She added that while such stories are needed, she is “a little tired of seeing those stories where her whole identity is about her color.” Her performance is highlighted as part of a broader shift toward greater Black representation on Broadway, with more Black women leading major productions and narratives that go beyond trauma‑focused roles.