Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical SLAYS

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Disclaimer: I received two tickets to Strangers Sings! The Parody Musical at the Straz Center for the purpose of this review. All the opinions are my own, but also FRIENDS DON’T LIE! 

My middle daughter and I are huge fans, so we were thrilled when the Straz Center invited us to Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical in exchange for this review. I took the opportunity to cosplay by dusting off my homemade Christmas Lights Wall to communicate to Will shirt and paired it with my Hellfire Club tank (a nod to Season 3 in the front and Season 1 in the back, if you’re paying attention).

Stranger-Things-Christmas-Lights-Wall-Cosplay-Run-DMT.

If you’re an 80s kids at heart like me, arrive early to experience some nostalgia and Pac-Man Fever by playing the vintage video games in the Jaeb lobby provided by Lowry Parcade.

Retro Arcade - Straz Center - Run DMT- Stranger Sings

For this hilarious action-packed parody musical, the entire Jaeb Theater has been turned UPSIDE DOWN to spotlight some of your favorite scenes from Hawkins, Indiana and the whole gang is there – Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Eleven, Will, Joyce, Hopper, Nancy, Steve and Jonathan. Even Barb is back! Yes, Barb! And she steals the show with her amazing comeback story. SPOILERS! 

Stranger Sings!
Jamir Brown and Megan Griggs in Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical – Photo credit: Evan Zimmerman Murphymade

Unlike any other show, Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical is a completely immersive experience with its cast of players utilizing the entire Jaeb Theater as one large stage to play out the scenes. There’s even VIP bean bag seating on the stage for an immersive up close and personal experience.

Stranger Sings - cast
(L to R) Jeremiah Garcia, Jeffrey Laughrun and Jamir Brown in Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical – Photo by Evan Zimmerman Murphymade

For the musical theater fans, there are tons of nods to some Broadway favorites, including Wicked, Mean Girls, Gypsy and Hadestown. Stranger Things fans will love the spoofs of season 1 and season 2 crossover and the underdeveloped plot points, such as Hopper’s daughter.

Stranger Sings - Joyce
Caroline Huerta in Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical – Photo credit: Evan Zimmerman Murphymade

The entire cast of talented players leans into the absurdity. During our performance, we witnessed a few breaks and giggles from more than one cast member and honestly, it made the show even more memorable and enjoyable.

Stranger Sings! will have you in stitches! If you and your loved ones are Stranger Things fans, you do not want to miss the hilarious Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical. And if you’re a true fan, remember to cosplay.

***A warning for fans with lighting and photosensitive epilepsy, there are some scenes with strobe lights.***

“Where’s there a Will, there’s a way!” 

Catch the musical comedy Strangers Sings! The Parody Musical now playing at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts until April 21. 

Use promo code HAWKINS to save $10 on tickets.

Find tickets and showtimes at www.strazcenter.org

About the author

Denise
From start to finish, Denise is Run DMT, a Tampa Bay homeschooling mom on the run trying to maintain an easy pace through it all between races and raising three beautiful, brilliant adultish kids (ages 23, 19, 14). In 2007, I discovered a passion for running and in February 2015, I completed my tenth marathon. I continue to train for a variety of races and even host annual 5K. In 2023, I became a certified group fitness instructor and teach P.E. in my homeschool co-op.