Noah Schnapp traded Hawkins for London as the Stranger Things star prepared to make his world stage debut in a new play exploring wealth, privilege and moral accountability. The actor, best known for playing Will Byers, will headline Affluenza at Riverside Studios from September 26 through November 21.
The London production marked a major new chapter for Schnapp, who became a household name through the Netflix phenomenon. He chose the original play for his first major theater role and said he wanted to approach his next project with intention.
Noah Schnapp will make his stage debut in London with Affluenza
Written and directed by Andy Sandberg, Affluenza will open Riverside Studios’ Mainstage 26/27 season. The play unfolded in the ultra-wealthy Hamptons. It examined the fallout from a teenager’s drunken car ride that ended in tragedy.
The play asks whether someone can become so privileged that they lose their ability to understand right from wrong. The production also explored moral accountability, family legacy and the American justice system.
“I am so excited to make my stage debut in London with ‘Affluenza,’” Schnapp told Variety. He explained that he had started speaking with Sandberg months earlier about finding the right project.
The Stranger Things star also teased an unusual challenge in the production.
“Without giving away too much, I get to play two very different roles,” Schnapp said. He added that the story would leave audiences “talking and thinking.”
Sandberg, a Tony-winning producer and artistic director, praised Schnapp’s decision to make an original play his stage debut.
“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,” Sandberg said.
Affluenza launched a five-play season focused largely on contemporary America and themes with wider global relevance. Sandberg also directed the upcoming productions Sacrilegious by Tom Schulman and Expecting by Scott Elmegreen and Drew Fornarola.
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