On the glittering night of Monday, April 14, as "John Proctor Is the Villain" made its highly anticipated Broadway debut, Sadie Sink was enveloped by an enthusiastic cheering section that added a special sparkle to the occasion. The 22-year-old actress, renowned for her powerful performances and her iconic role in "Stranger Things," was surrounded by a bevy of familiar faces at New York City's Booth Theatre.
Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, Gaten Matarazzo, and Finn Wolfhard—otherwise known as Sink's "Stranger Things" family—graced the event to lend their unwavering support to their beloved friend, infusing the opening night with an extra dose of Hawkins' enchanting charm, according to People magazine. The crew even posed together on the red carpet before settling in for the show, reinforcing the fact that offscreen friendships thrive even in a world devoid of the Upside Down.
However, Sink's circle of support extended far beyond her television siblings. The audience was a veritable who's who of Broadway and beyond, with a star-studded guest list that included luminaries such as F. Murray Abraham, Will Brill, John Cardoza, Alyah Chanelle Scott, Wilson Cruz, Jennifer Damiano, Micaela Diamond, Richard Kind, Marisa Tomei, and Constance Wu.
Before the curtain rose, Sink took a poignant moment to reflect on what drew her to this project. It wasn't merely the allure of donning striking costumes or showcasing her dramatic prowess; it was the writing that resonated deeply with her. "Kimberly's writing is nothing short of brilliant. It captures the essence of teenagers with such authenticity and tackles uncomfortable topics in a digestible, honest manner," she shared with People. "I am incredibly proud of our team and the message that this show conveys."
Penned by Kimberly Belflower and directed by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor, "John Proctor Is the Villain" marks Belflower's impressive Broadway debut. Known for her profound storytelling and meticulous character development, Belflower is already garnering accolades for this poignant and heartfelt play that addresses real-world issues with honesty and elegance.