Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical
Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical was a nostalgic, 1980s-style celebration of the weird and wonderful world created in the hit Netflix show Stranger Things. Featuring big hair, bigger vocals, and an upside-down sense of fun, this high-energy musical was packed with retro dance moves, brilliantly funny dialogue, and impressively tight harmonies. The moment the lights came up, it was clear this show wasn’t just a loving send-up of a pop culture juggernaut—it was a polished, imaginative, and uproariously funny piece of musical theatre in its own right.
Standout performances were plentiful. Jaime O’Donoghue dazzled in the demanding dual role of Joyce and puppet-son Will, bringing powerhouse vocals, good comedic timing, and technical skill to every moment. Peter Wood was unforgettable as Dustin, charming the audience with his gorgeous vocals and rubber-faced expressions—this performer has star quality and is absolutely one to watch. Emily Rohweder’s Barb was another highlight; she attacked the role with fearless comedic gusto and left us cheering for #JusticeForBarb.
Kristin Sparks brought intensity and grace to Eleven, with sharp dancing and crystal-clear vocals, while Joel O’Brien’s Mike was the perfect team player—funny, focused, and full of youthful energy. Elton Jun (Lucas) and Chelsea Sales (Nancy/Robin) both impressed with their sweet vocals and strong teamwork. Daniel Lelić (Steve) delivered an engaging performance across the board, and with a little less self-consciousness, could elevate his abilities even further.
Jacob Ballard was excellent as Hopper, capturing the gruff heart of the character while also delivering some of the more touching moments in the show in his scenes with Eleven. Supporting performers Malcolm Hume, Phoebe Lovell, and Anika Jocumsen helped bring Hawkins to life, juggling multiple characters with confidence and adding scale to the production with their tight dancing and strong vocal work.
Director Kristen Barros clearly knows how to get the best out of a cast. The staging was imaginative, balanced, and perfectly pitched, fearlessly embracing the show’s absurdity while ensuring every comedic beat landed. Her set design cleverly evoked key locations from the TV series without ever feeling overcomplicated, striking a balance between homage and parody.
Musical Director Victoria Keomahavong made sure every number sparkled—vocals were clear, harmonies lush, and the pacing of the musical moments never faltered. Jess Briskie’s choreography was another highlight, with hilariously spot-on nods to 1980s dance styles that were as funny as they were clever.
Lighting design by Perry Sanders elevated the whole experience. After a brief reschedule due to opening night tech difficulties, I’m so glad I caught the show with the full lighting vision in place—it made a huge impact, adding atmosphere, smooth transitions, and a sense of polish. Taylor Atley’s costumes and wigs were an absolute treat. Every detail felt thoughtfully chosen, evoking both the period and the characters with a knowing wink and a tonne of flair. Lane Agostinelli’s sound design was also well balanced and spot-on with timing, ensuring vocals and backing tracks stayed crisp and clear.
In short, Stranger Sings! was an absolute treat. We laughed out loud throughout the entire show, swept up in the ridiculousness of the plot, the clever Stranger Things references, and commitment to the comedy. It was engaging, well-paced, and full of heart—and we walked away humming the tunes and grinning at the memory of the dancing Demogorgon.
Kitty Goodall
Photography by B’rit Creative
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