THE HANGOVER REPORT – STRANGER SINGS! THE PARODY MUSIAL is an inspired send-up of the popular Netflix series

The company of Jonathan Hogue’s “Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical” at the Players Theatre.

Last night, yet another musical parody opened Off-Broadway – Jonathan Hogue’s comedically inspired Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, which is playing at the Players Theatre in Greenwich Village for a five-week engagement, joins Friends! The Musical Parody and The Office! A Musical Parody at the Theater Center in Midtown as part of New York’s fast-growing post-lockdown constellation of live television send-ups. If you haven’t already gathered, Stranger Sings! takes its inspiration from Stranger Things, the popular Netflix series that’s notable for its paranormal storyline as much as its fond nostalgia for the 1980s (both of these features make the material ripe for parody).

Mr. Hogue’s musical condenses the television series’ first season into a giddy, fast-paced 95 minutes. With its built-in fan base and accessible SNL skit-type humor, the work is sure to be a great introduction for many to the world of live theater, especially musical theater. Luckily, for those uninitiated in the world of musicals, the peppy, rock-driven score – with its subtle and not-so-subtle references to Broadway and movie musicals – is well-crafted and instantly catchy. Additionally, the book is witty and smartly-structured, framing the show’s shenanigans wonderfully.

What began as well-received concerts at Feinstein’s/54 Below has blossomed into a fully staged show. Although Nick Flatto’s production has retained its intentionally scrappy aesthetic, there’s no doubt this is a full-scale mounting. Indeed, unlike the aforementioned pair of musical parodies at the Theater Center, Stranger Sings! thankfully features a live band, which puts across the score punchily. Then there’s the talented young cast, which delivers the tongue-in-cheek comedy with gleeful aplomb. Although each gets an opportunity to shine in their respective numbers, the show’s 11-o’clock number – which is hilariously given to one of the plot’s most inconsequential characters (no spoilers here) – was a particular joy that had me in stitches.

RECOMMENDED

STRANGER SINGS! THE PARODY MUSICAL
Off-Broadway, Musical / In-person
The Players Theatre
1 hour, 35 minutes (without an intermission)
Through September 5

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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