Could there possibly be a show at the centre of a Venn diagram of clever 80’s references, musical theatre, and the hit Netflix show “Stranger Things”? There is only one that fits the bill: Stranger Sings. Directed by Zachary Mansfield, this parody musical has a little something for everyone, not just die-hard fans of the TV show. Full of songs, laughter, and big hair, Stranger Sings is a side-splitting production you won’t want to miss!

Jonathan Hogue artfully weaves references from all four seasons of “Stranger Things” into the plot and songs of Stranger Sings, even going to far as to have iconic characters appear in scenes, even if they don’t speak (like Eddie in his classic Hellfire Club shirt). Even if you only know the very basics of the show, you’ll certainly be able to keep up with the pared down plot of the musical. Essentially, both Will Byers and Barb go missing just like in the first season, however the events which follow in order to rescue them are a harmonious and hilarious blend of events and references to the rest of the series. Honestly, it is a good primer if you’re excited for season five coming out this year; it certainly had me sorting through what happened in what season and realizing that they had, in fact, worked in something from every season into the show.

This is all done in combination with witty references to the 80’s coming from everything from the costume design, to the wigs, to the heavy influence on the show’s score: this captures the nostalgia of the original series perfectly. And then there are the musical references! Everything from Little Shop of Horrors to Gypsy, even The Music Man, they’re all represented in the music for Stranger Sings. There were a few times where I was barely able to catch my breath from laughing when another witty reference came along to chase it away again. Hogue’s book, music, and lyrics are not only a testament to his love of the source material, but to his sense of humour and clear passion for what he does. Stranger Sings is a delight, and with so much darkness creeping in in the real world (it feels like the Upside Down sometimes) this is the perfect show to bring some light.

Zachary Mansfield’s simplistic set design allows for easy transportation between locales and worlds using the power of the audiences imagination and some well-placed props. Andrew Nasturzio’s costumes are note perfect: from clear inspiration from the show to the sequin covered new additions, the characters are perfectly dressed for 1983. What struck me immediately, however, were the Christmas lights and random lamps hanging from the top of the stage. The Christmas lights are so quintessentially “Stranger Things” and I waited with bated breath for them to be used in the show.

Stranger Sings has a talented cast of performers who are clearly having a great time performing this raucously funny show. Jean Blandon, Charlie Clements, and Alekzander Rosolowski play Dustin, Lucas, and Mike (with the occasional appearance as other characters). They embody the delightfully dorky main trio of “heroes” and bring a vibrant energy to the production. Paulina Luciani plays both Nancy Byers and Eleven, and she excels in both roles. Her vocal performances are fantastic, and her portrayals of each character are so different that it initially had me questioning if it was the same actor or not. Duncan Lang’s Hopper is perfectly tragic, and Lang uses his singing prowess to bring down the house. Rebecca Rodley’s Joyce has one of the most meta-theatrical numbers in the show, to which she gives an essential dash of mild insanity. Dante Toccacelli plays both Steve Harrington and Johnathan Byers, meaning that Lucini’s Nancy falls in love with him twice! Toccacelli brings a bravado and swagger to Steve which we all love to hate…at least until he grows up. This is not even mentioning some of the other characters: the demigorgon ATE every scene it was in with dips and tricks which were only comparable to Lucas’ sister Erica, the science teacher (who had a minor moustache malfunction on stage) was a riot, even the mad scientists each had their own little schtick. But the most memorable performance is Sydney Gauvin’s Barb. Not only do we get some #JusticeForBarb with this portrayal, but Gauvin’s performance is top notch; her powerful belting voice had the room erupting with well deserved applause and her comedic timing is spot on.

Stranger Sings is an irreverent romp that’ll have you “Running up that Hill” to see it again. If, like me, you can’t wait for Season 5 to finally drop, this is the perfect show to tide you over until then.

Stranger Sings runs at the Randolph Theatre until April 26. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.strangersingscanada.ca

---

Cover Photo: The cast of Stranger Sings*. Photo by Sam Moffatt.

*Photos are from 2024.

---

Thank you to my Patrons:

N. Bushnik, S. Fisher, B. Kinnon, D. Moyes

And to my supporters who’ve bought me a coffee:

Angelica and Paul, Anonymous, Adrianna, and Caitlin

Would you like to become a Patron? Check out my Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/AViewfromtheBox

Or, you can buy me a coffee at: buymeacoffee.com/aviewfromthebox