Review by Léane Debize

This musical was phenomenal, it was funny, touching and so well-played.

It is not often that you get to enter the world of your favorite Netflix show. Presented by Epiphany Arts Theatre Company as part of the Sydney Fringe Festival, this parody musical of the iconic Stranger Things show takes you through a four-season journey of what life in Hawkins, Indiana is really like between real world and the Upside Down.

Strangers Sings! The Parody Musical was written by Jonathan Hogue and has already been awarded 7 Broadway World Off-Broadway Award including Best New Musical. After an excellent debut on Off-Broadway in New York City in 2021, the musical was open for licensing for professionals, amateurs and and education.

Taking you through events from all four seasons, this musical starts of by bringing back memories from Season 1 where it all begins when Will (Anouk Macarthur Mitchell) goes missing. Will, Mike (Ruben Aguilera), Dustin (Julian Daher), Lucas (Jahzara Mariasson) and Eleven (Raven Swinkles) were a perfect group, representing the innocence, excitement and emotions 12 years old go through. This show sets the perfect tone to get ready for Season 5 coming out in a few weeks.

The parody is so well done with many fun references to the 80s through songs and costumes, jokes about the show while keeping the storyline of the original production.

The artists are young and extremely talented, they had so much energy, talent and motivation and it could be seen in the way the public engaged with them. The next generation of artists, comedians, and musicians is already here, ready to take bigger stages in Sydney, in Australia and across the world.

Each character had their personality, energy and own sense of humor. A moment for Barb (Belle Doublebay) who did a fantastic job, she is often considered as an overlooked character in the show and this musical did her justice.

More than an outstanding performance, it is also the environment this show is built on that matters. A few weeks ago, I has the privilege of meeting Annie Macarthur, the Artistic Director of Epiphany Arts Theatre Company and Holly Gallagher, who plays Joyce Byers, for an interview. They shared the hard work, dedication and energy Epiphany and the entire cast has put in making this musical. As a spectator, I could feel the energy and time that have been giving into creating this beautiful performance. The praises they have been getting across reviewers are well-deserved.

Annie shared the safe environment she worked to create: a safe space for young artists to learn, voice their thoughts, opinions and ideas to make this show theirs.

You have 3 more opportunities to watch this amazing musical: