Stranger Sings Parody Musical Debuts in Little Rock

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock is hosting the Arkansas premiere of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, a comedic stage production that reimagines the world of the Netflix series Stranger Things.

Performances are scheduled to run from April 15 to April 19, 2026, at the Haislip Theatre. The production is presented by the university’s Theatre Arts Program and is associated with the College of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, and Education (CHASSE).

The musical is described as a high-camp, upside down take on the original series, blending 1980s nostalgia with witty humor and original songs. The plot follows the characters of Hawkins, Indiana, as they navigate the Upside Down through dance and musical numbers.

Performance Schedule and Access

The production offers several showtimes throughout its five-day run. Evening performances are scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m.

Admission to the production is free, though attendees are required to reserve tickets via the university’s provided links.

Production Details

Caelon Colbert serves as the director of the production. Colbert noted that the rehearsal process was characterized by high energy and humor, stating that the company fully leans into the humor, heart, and absurdity of this piece.

The show is designed with a PG-13 edge to enhance its comedic impact. It features a cast of characters that includes Mike, Eleven, Lucas, and Dustin, as well as a focus on 1980s elements such as heavy synth music and period-specific aesthetics.

The musical’s book, music, and lyrics were written by Jonathan Hogue. The production aims to appeal to both dedicated fans of the original television series and general theatre audiences looking for a comedic experience.

Context and Regional History

This production marks the first time the musical has premiered in Arkansas. Little Rock has a history of hosting the parody, with The Studio Theatre previously staging a production of the show in February 2025.

The University of Arkansas at Little Rock has also been linked to previous iterations of the show, with licensing records indicating a production window in April 2025.

The current production serves as a showcase for the university’s Theatre Arts Program, emphasizing student success and the role of leaders in the classroom and communities through the performing arts.