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Variety
Running at Riverside Studios, ‘Affluenza’ is set amid the ultra-wealthy of the Hamptons and will explore power and privilege.
From the Upside Down of Hawkins to the boards of London.
Noah Schnapp, best known as Will Byers in “Stranger Things,” is set to make his world stage debut in the British capital.
The actor, who became a household name thanks to the Netflix phenomenon, is adding theater to his resume as the star of “Affluenza” at Riverside Studios as part of its Mainstage Season 26/27.
Written and directed by Mainstage Season artistic director Andy Sandberg and running Sep. 26 to Nov. 21, “Affluenza” is set against the ultra-wealthy social haven of the Hamptons, and is described as raising “thought-provoking questions about moral accountability, family legacy, and the American justice system.”
In the play, when a teen’s drunken car ride ends in devastation, the verdict comes down to one question – is it possible to be too affluent to know the difference between right and wrong? Inspired by true events surrounding a shocking legal defence, “Affluenza” explores the “ripple effects of power and privilege.”
“I am so excited to make my stage debut in London with ‘Affluenza,’” said Schnapp. “I started talking with Andy Sandberg a few months ago about finding the right opportunity to work together, and it’s thrilling to now be bringing this play to life in London. I wanted to be very intentional about what I took on next, and as I spend more time with this excellent script, I feel so connected to the characters. Without giving away too much, I get to play two very different roles, and it’s a story that’s really going to leave audiences talking and thinking.”
“Affluenza” opens Riverside’s Mainstage Season 26/27, which comprises five new plays, largely set in contemporary America and exploring globally relevant themes.
“I am incredibly excited to be launching this play and this season in just a few weeks — and now with Noah Schnapp at the helm,” said Sandberg, a Tony-winning producer who also serves as Mainstage Season artistic director. “Noah is a brilliant young actor who has captivated audiences on screen, and now London audiences will have the opportunity to see him in his stage debut. I’m honoured that Noah has connected with the script, and I think it speaks volumes that he has chosen an original play for his stage debut.”
Following “Affluenza” the season will continue with “Sacrilegious,” by Tom Schulman, the Oscar-winning writer of “Dead Poets Society” and “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” and “Expecting,” by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola. Both are being are directed by Sandberg, who also serves as artistic director for the Hermitage in the U.S. Further productions and casting will be announced soon.
Tickets for “Affluenza” are now on sale.
