Ayana Cymone Shares Backstage Secrets From STRANGER THINGS: THE FIRST SHADOW
This show marks Ayana's Broadway debut!
By: Stephi Wild Jul. 23, 2025
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We all know how much hard work goes into the performances that audiences see eight times a week on Broadway. When they're not giving it their all onstage, most performers are backstage doing what it takes to stay happy, healthy, and ready to go between scenes. In Words From The Wings, BroadwayWorld is taking fans behind the curtain to shine a spotlight on the everyday routines that keep Broadway stars moving.
In this edition, we catch up with Ayana Cymone, who is currently playing 'Sue Anderson' in Stranger Things: The First Shadow. Below, she takes us backstage at the Marquis Theatre (with photos by Jennifer Broski) to share some of her pre-show rituals, favorite moments, memories, and more!
Cymone is a recent BFA graduate from Carnegie Mellon University. Since graduating, she has starred in the Santa Cruz Shakespeare production of Troilus and Cressida playing the titular role of Cressida and in the Dartboard Productions theatrical adaptation of Treasure Island at New York’s West Park theater. A native of Richmond, VA, Ayana is proud to call New York her new home.
What’s the first thing you do when you arrive to the theatre?
I usually get to the theatre pretty early, so I’m often the first one in the dressing room. I like to eat and just take some quiet time for myself before the chaos starts.
What’s the last thing you do before you go on stage?
Get shushed by Kait, our stage manager, for talking too loud. What can I say—I love to yap.
What’s your must-have backstage snack?
It kind of rotates based on my current fixation. Right now? Trader Joe’s Scandinavian Swimmers.
Pre-show ritual that others may think is weird?
I don’t do this every single show, but a group of us will do a two-minute plank around half hour. I regret my choices every time but feel amazing after.
What are five must-haves in your dressing room?
- Nebulizer
- Electrolytes
- Grether’s Pastilles
- Water bottle
- Tea
Not the most exciting list, I know— but eight shows a week humbles you. Vocal and overall health is everything to me right now.
What’s your favorite moment from the show to watch from the wings?
Without a doubt, a scene we call “Creel Family Dinner”—when the Mind Flayer comes down. But not because of the Mind Flayer, it’s because Louis is doing some of the most incredible movement work I’ve ever seen. I watch a piece of it every night and still get chills.
What has been your favorite backstage moment in your time with this show so far?
Oh my gosh—too many to name! We’re a very goofy cast and crew. There’s a moment during the show when two people in wardrobe sing me a little song as I head up the stairs, and it gets me every time. I also have a running rock-paper-scissors game with a cast member. (I’m winning, obviously.)
Stranger Things: The First Shadow is running on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre. This new play by Kate Trefry, a writer and co-executive producer for the TV series of Stranger Things, is rooted in the mythology and world of the Netflix global phenomenon. The play is not to be confused with Stranger Sings!, which is an off-Broadway musical parody of the Netflix series.
In the play... Hawkins, 1959: a regular town with regular worries. Young Jim Hopper’s car won’t start, Bob Newby’s sister won’t take his radio show seriously and Joyce Maldonado just wants to graduate and get the hell out of town. When new student Henry Creel arrives, his family finds that a fresh start isn’t so easy… and the shadows of the past have a very long reach.
