Stranger Sings - The rippling musical we deserve - Now at Playhouse 46 NYC until March 5, 2023
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Is it possible to pay homage to an iconic TV series while making fun of it AND respecting its lore and its fans?
The answer is yes if you go and see “Stranger Sings - The Parody Musical,” currently running at Playhouse 46 at St. Luke’s, in the heart of the Theater District, and extended by popular demand until March the 5th.
This show, written by Jonathan Hogue and directed by Nick Flatto, is a brilliant comedic take on Netflix’s hit show “Stranger Things” that focuses on the main events of the legendary season 1, by many fans still considered the best out of the four released so far.
If you have watched the TV series, I don’t need to tell you how the story unfolds. The plot pretty much retraces the main events and twists of the first season. The cool thing, though, is that you can enjoy this experience even if you have NOT watched the show. I asked my assistant to join me the night I attended it because I knew she didn’t know anything about it, and… she had a great time, laughing at the parodies of the genre tropes and being riveted by the performance of the cast.
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
The music arrangements by Michael Kaish and the choreography by Ashley Marinelli really add dynamism and engagement to the excellent performance of a young, talented crew of actors that never holds back and is fully committed to giving the audience an awesome time.
In the best tradition of Off-Broadway productions, Stranger Sings offers two uninterrupted hours of great entertainment in a captivating atmosphere.
I really enjoyed the show, I liked very much how the story was re-presented, and the entire cast thrilled me, but I have to say what impressed me the most was the set design. Absolutely fantastic. The designer Walt Spangler has done an amazing job: not only recreating and emulating the distinctive ‘80s nostalgia vibes that have been such a great component of the TV series’ success, but making it complementary to the story and immersive for the audience.
I won’t spoil it because you gotta see it, but how they get to and show you the “Upside Down” it’s simply fantastic.
I think it would be unfair to point out any of the individual performances because the cast is really great and thight-knit. But if you are dying to know and are willing to unleash a Demogorgon on me and use your telekinetic powers to subjugate me, then I’ll say that the performances of SLee as Barb and Nickolaus Colon as Hopper are exhilarating and hilarious, and Jamir Brown as Lucas is super funny and gives great Chris Tucker vibes!
Tickets run fast! Bring family and friends and get yours at strangersingsthemusical.com.
Photo by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
Review and photos by Joseph Ralph Fraia - @jrfstudio - jrfstudio.com
For Livein Magazine - @livein_magazine - liveinmagazine.com