Stranger Things (Lowtrucks/wikimedia commons)
If you are one of the 361,000 people who binge-watched the entirety of Stranger Things season two within 24 hours of its release, it probably feels like a long time since your itch for the show has been scratched. Unfortunately, season three isn’t expected to hit Netflix until 2019. Approaching a year since the release of season two, fans find themselves looking for something new to recreate the magic. Fortunately, fans at CU can turn to “Laser Stranger Things” presented by The Fiske Planetarium.
This live show is an immersive experience. It allows fans to look into the dome, hypnotized by the visuals and sucked in by the sound. Like the series, it invokes a sense of nostalgia. It was brought to life with the soundtrack of classic 80’s hits, plus the extremely creative retro scores originally produced for the series. The show creates characters that feel like friends and music that feels like memories. It showcases artistry through a multitude of mediums—a great experience to be a part of.
The CU-based laser show pulls tracks from each season to create their own chapters: “Darkness,” “Youth,” “Friends Don’t Lie,” “Battle,” and “The End?”. But before it unfolds, it commences with the now iconic Netflix title sequence. Following the chapters, there is a mix of 80’s hits, from Duran Duran’s upbeat “Girls On Film” to the mellowed Joy Division’s “Atmosphere.” Every few songs, the original music from the Stranger Things soundtrack follows.
“Kids” ended chapter one, followed by “Escape,” “Soldiers” and finally “Stranger Things Extended”, all original compositions by Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein. They tell the story of Stranger Things while combining the nostalgic feel for the 80’s setting with modern retro beats. Stein and Dixon hail from the electronic band Survive known for their synth-heavy, horror-inspired scores.
Music is a very big element in the series as well as the laser show. The original soundtrack is phenomenal at conveying emotions, emphasizing the important moments. It creates a sense of adventure and involvement in these character’s lives.
The show ended with Will’s anthem, “Should I Stay or Should I Go.” It began with his version sung in the Upside Down for comfort, then transitioned into the original version by The Clash. Overall, the “Laser Stranger Things” show was terrific at transporting you into the Duffer brothers nostalgic and mesmerizing world.
Even though there is a wait until the next season, the mesmerizing and inspired production will satisfy CU’s Stranger Things fanatics.
Fiske Planetarium will be presenting “Laser Stranger Things” every Thursday from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. until Oct. 18. If you loved this show for the classic hits, the planetarium is also offering the new “That 80’s Laser Show.” Tickets are $7 for children, seniors, and students and $10 for adults.
Contact CU Independent arts writer Alyssa Branch at alyssa.branch@colorado.edu.
