Millennial Productions brings a burst of nostalgic chaos to the Ron Hurley Theatre with their side-splitting production of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical. This hilarious send-up of Netflix’s Stranger Things is packed with high-energy performances, clever writing, and a whole lot of heart. It’s a celebration of 80s weirdness and small-town supernatural drama—told through song, satire, and some truly outrageous wigs.
Each actor embraces the parody with full commitment and comedic timing that keeps the audience laughing from start to finish. Joel O’Brien nails Mike’s melodramatic earnestness, while Kristin Sparks shines as Eleven, capturing both her telekinetic intensity and awkward charm.
Elton Jun (Lucas) and Peter Wood (Dustin) make a dynamic duo, bouncing off each other with goofy enthusiasm, and Daniel Lelić is a comedic standout as Steve—the hair, the ego, the whole package and Jonathan, Will’s brother and loner photographer. Chelsea Sales pulls double duty as Nancy and Robin, switching effortlessly between characters with sharp delivery and strong vocals.
Emily Rohweder is a comedic force as Barb, elevating the cult-favourite character from sidekick to showstopper. With impeccable deadpan timing and exaggerated melodrama, she leans fully into the “Justice for Barb” trope, delivering every line with over-the-top sincerity that’s both ridiculous and brilliant. Her solo moments—complete with ghostly lamenting and diva energy—are met with roaring laughter, as she finally gets the spotlight (and stage time) Barb was cruelly denied in the series. It’s a hilarious, high-camp performance that makes you wish Barb really had made it out of the Upside Down—just to belt out one more number.
Jaime O’Donoghue delivers a total show-stealer as Joyce Byers, with a performance that’s part maternal meltdown, part Broadway diva. In one of the most unforgettable sequences of the show, she channels her frantic motherly energy through a puppet version of her missing son Will—handled with Avenue Q-style flair. It’s an inspired and hysterical choice, blending technical skill with comic gold. Her powerhouse vocals bring the house down, and her ability to mix absurdity with emotional commitment is nothing short of genius.
Jacob Ballard gives Hopper a gruff charm that anchors the chaos, while Malcolm Hume makes Dr. Brenner deliciously creepy. Pheobe Lovell (Mrs. Wheeler) and Anika Jocumsen (Max) round out the cast with bold, scene-stealing moments.
The costumes are spot-on, playfully exaggerating the characters we know while adding their own flair. From Demogorgon dance breaks to over-the-top 80s fashion, every piece adds to the fun. The set is cleverly minimal yet functional, letting the absurdity and talent take center stage, while the use of lighting and props enhances the surreal, campy tone of the show.
Millennial Productions has knocked it out of the park with this one. Stranger Sings! is a rollicking, laugh-out-loud musical that lovingly skewers a cultural phenomenon with impeccable local flair. Whether you’re a fan of the original series or just love a good parody, this show is a wild ride from start to finish. Catch it before it closes on April 26—you won’t regret it.
TICKETS
Now playing at the Ron Hurley Theatre until 26 April
All images By Brit Creative
The Fame Reporter 