Noah Schnapp, widely recognized for his role as Will Byers in the Netflix series “Stranger Things,” is preparing for his theatrical debut on the London stage. The actor will star in “Affluenza,” a new production running at Riverside Studios from late September through November. This marks Schnapp’s first venture into stage performance.
“Affluenza,” written and directed by Andy Sandberg, explores themes of wealth and morality through a story set in the Hamptons. The play centers on a teen whose intoxicated driving incident raises questions about whether extreme affluence can shield someone from understanding right and wrong. Drawing inspiration from real legal cases, the production examines how power and privilege create far-reaching consequences for families and society.
Schnapp expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting he spent months discussing the project with Sandberg before committing. The actor emphasized his desire to be selective about future roles and mentioned that his character allows him to showcase two distinct personas. Sandberg praised Schnapp’s talent and commitment to choosing an original play for his stage debut, expressing confidence that London audiences will appreciate his transition from screen to theater.
“Affluenza” opens Riverside’s Mainstage Season, which includes five contemporary productions exploring globally significant issues. Additional plays in the season will feature work from Oscar-winning writer Tom Schulman, known for “Dead Poets Society,” among other productions directed by Sandberg.
Originally reported by Variety →
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