Millennial Productions presents the Queensland premiere of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, where the Upside Down meets musical theatre in a gloriously goofy mash-up. Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Dustin, and the whole Hawkins gang are back, this time in a show that lovingly spoofs the ‘80s-set sci-fi hit, complete with jazz hands, power ballads, and a synth-fuelled soundtrack that wouldn’t feel out of place on a Dirty Dancing / Footloose mixtape.
Stranger Sings! first hit the stage in 2019 and went on to win seven Broadway World Awards, including Best New Musical, so you know it’s not just Demogorgons and Dad jokes. Think The Goonies meets Glee, with a little Rocky Horror thrown in for good measure.
This production follows the storyline of Season One, with cheeky nods to later seasons. While super fans will clock every obscure reference and Easter egg faster than you can say, “Justice for Barb,” there’s still plenty for casual viewers to enjoy, from musical theatre zingers to retro throwbacks that’ll take you straight back to Saturday morning cartoons and untangling cassette tapes.
Opening night almost entered the Upside Down for real, thanks to a lighting glitch that zapped the entire plot (of lights – the story was safe!). Audiences were given the option to come back another night, or stick around and see what happens under some good old fashioned white-wash lighting.
Those who stayed? Absolutely made the right call. Because what’s more thrilling than theatre that rolls with the punches? The cast didn’t just rise to the occasion, they absolutely ran with it, turning the mishap into comedy gold. With slick improv and self-aware gags, they had the audience howling. If anything, the glitch just added another layer of charm, proving once again that community theatre is powered by love, hustle, and a touch of neon magic.
Director Kristen Barros delivers a show that hits the sweet spot between heartfelt nostalgia and razor-sharp parody. She captures the spirit of the original series while gleefully sending it up at every turn. Costume and wig designer Taylor Atley deserves a standing ovation. Every look is spot-on, with Mike’s tragic bowl cut wig earning a special shoutout. Comedy gold!
The Hawkins trio – Peter Wood as Dustin, Elton Jun as Lucas, and Joel O’Brien as Mike – are a delightfully kooky gang. Their campy chemistry shines in The Adventure Song, a number that’s as catchy as it is ridiculous.
Missing pal Will makes a memorable appearance… as a puppet. And it works. Jaime O’Donoghue brings the character to life while also pulling double duty as Will’s frantic mother Joyce.
Chelsea Sales is pitch-perfect as Nancy, nailing every beat of the character’s early ’80s high school angst. Her scenes with Emily Rohweder’s Barb and Daniel Lelić’s smarmy Steve are packed with laughs.
One of the standout moments of Act One is the show stopping number Crazy, with O’Donoghue’s Joyce teetering on the edge in true Winona Ryder fashion. Bonus points for the cheeky cameo chorus of supporting characters from Ryder’s most iconic films – from Red Heather and Amy March to Edward Scissorhands and Beetlejuice. Jess Briskie’s choreography brings the whole ensemble into the madness, building to the unforgettable line: “Somebody give me my damn Emmy!”
Kristin Sparks truly shines in Act Two, stepping into Eleven’s sneakers, blonde wig and pink dress with confidence and charm. Her duet with Mike, Stranger, is an all-singing, all-dancing spectacle complete with a delightful wink to E.T.
Jacob Ballard nails the role of Hopper with a perfect blend of gruff exterior and soft-hearted Dad energy. His self-aware take on the grizzled cop trope is both funny and endearing.
Act Two also delivers a parade of scene-stealing cameos. Elton Jun flips the script with a fierce turn as the ever-sassy Erica (in drag!), then switches gears to bring the Demogorgon to life. Meanwhile, Chelsea Sales returns as a hilariously deadpan Robin, delivering dry one-liners with expert timing.
But the true showstopper? Barb. Yes, Barb finally gets her moment in the spotlight with the powerhouse number Barb’s Turn. A triumphant, glitter-filled revenge anthem that had the audience roaring. Justice for Barb has never looked (or sounded) this fabulous.
Stranger Sings! is a love letter to fans, but you don’t need to be a diehard one to have a good time. With big laughs, brilliant performances, and more ’80s references than a Blockbuster Video bargain bin, this parody musical delivers the kind of chaotic joy that only live theatre can offer. Whether you’re there for the nostalgia, the camp, or just to see Barb get her due, this Queensland premiere proves that the Upside Down can be a whole lot of fun.
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical runs until 26 April at Ron Hurley Theatre, 28 Tallowwood Street Seven Hills Qld 4170.
Tickets: https://millennialprod.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/sales/sales?ev=146345&mrc=10483&ismenuhide=true
Website: https://www.millennialproductions.com.au/stranger-sings
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/millennial.prod/
Photo credits: By B’rit Creative
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