Sadie Sink’s John Proctor Is the Villain Opening Night: See the Stranger Things Cast’s Sweet Tribute
Stranger Things Cast Reunites to Support Sadie Sink in Her Broadway Debut: Here’s How They Showed Their Love
Sadie Sink is taking the Broadway stage by storm in John Proctor Is the Villain, and her Stranger Things family is right by her side. On opening night at New York City's Booth Theatre, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, and Finn Wolfhard all showed up to celebrate Sink’s major career milestone. The star-studded evening was a beautiful moment of support and unity, with Sink’s co-stars cheering her on as she made her Broadway debut in this powerful new play.
The Stranger Things Family Supports Sadie Sink’s Broadway Milestone
The opening night of John Proctor Is the Villain saw a reunion of the Stranger Things cast, as Maya Hawke, Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, and Finn Wolfhard gathered in the front row to cheer on their talented friend and co-star, Sadie Sink. The Booth Theatre in New York City was filled with excitement as the actress took on the role of Shelby Holcomb in this thought-provoking play written by Kimberly Belflower and directed by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor.
This Broadway debut marked a new chapter for Sink, who has been a star since she was just seven years old, performing in local theater productions before rising to fame as Max Mayfield in Stranger Things. On this special night, Sink was joined by a host of other big names in Hollywood, with fellow stars like Wilson Cruz, Jennifer Damiano, F. Murray Abraham, Will Brill, Marisa Tomei, and Constance Wu also attending to support the production.
Sink’s Passion for the Play
Before the show, Sink spoke with People about why she chose to be a part of John Proctor Is the Villain. The 22-year-old actress revealed that she was drawn to the play because of its powerful portrayal of uncomfortable but important topics. "Kimberly’s writing immediately captured my attention," Sink explained. "It speaks to teenagers in a way that feels honest and digestible. It shines a light on issues that need to be talked about."
The play follows a group of high school girls in a small town in northeast Georgia who start a feminist club during the height of the #MeToo movement. As they study The Crucible in their English class, the girls begin questioning the play’s hero, John Proctor, and the traditional narrative of his story. This fresh perspective challenges their views on the characters in both The Crucible and their own lives.
The Cast of John Proctor Is the Villain
In addition to Sadie Sink’s star-making performance, John Proctor Is the Villain boasts an impressive ensemble cast. Nihar Duvvuri plays Mason Adams, while Tony Award winner Gabriel Ebert portrays Carter Smith. The production also features Molly Griggs as Bailey Gallagher, Maggie Kuntz as Ivy Watkins, and many other talented actors, including Hagan Oliveras, Morgan Scott, and Amalia Yoo. The play tackles themes of feminism, self-discovery, and the power of questioning authority—all seen through the lens of teenage girls exploring their own voices.
Sink’s role as Shelby Holcomb is pivotal to the plot, as she plays a key part in the feminist club’s journey of self-exploration. Fans who have followed Sink’s career from Stranger Things to The Whale and Taylor Swift’s short film All Too Well will no doubt be excited to see her tackle this challenging and important role on stage.
Sadie Sink’s Broadway Journey
Sadie Sink’s Broadway journey is a testament to her range and dedication as an actress. Before her role in John Proctor Is the Villain, Sink made a name for herself on Broadway. She first starred as the title character in the 2012 revival of Annie, and later played the role of young Elizabeth II in The Audience, alongside Helen Mirren. These early experiences helped shape her career and laid the foundation for her success in both theater and film.
Her transition from theater to television with Stranger Things and subsequent film roles has been nothing short of impressive. With three Broadway credits under her belt, Sink continues to prove her versatility, and her fans are thrilled to see her return to the stage in such a powerful role.

The Stranger Things Cast's Unwavering Support
The Stranger Things cast has always been close-knit, and their support for each other extends beyond the screen. Gaten Matarazzo, Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, and Finn Wolfhard’s presence on opening night was a clear display of their friendship and respect for Sadie Sink’s talents. From posing together on the red carpet to sitting front and center at the theater, the cast made it clear that they are proud of Sink’s accomplishments and excited for her continued success.
Maya Hawke, who plays Robin Buckley in Stranger Things, shared her enthusiasm for Sink’s performance, calling it "so inspiring." "Sadie is incredibly talented, and she deserves all of the success that comes her way," said Hawke. The bond between these actors, both on and off the screen, is undeniable, and it’s clear that their friendship remains strong as they continue to support each other’s career milestones.
Why John Proctor Is the Villain is a Must-See
John Proctor Is the Villain has already generated significant buzz for its unique storyline, timely themes, and standout performances. The play provides a fresh take on the classic The Crucible, blending feminism and the #MeToo movement in a way that resonates with modern audiences. Sink’s portrayal of Shelby is a key part of what makes this production so compelling, and her performance has been met with rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Whether you’re a fan of Sink’s work in Stranger Things or simply someone who loves thought-provoking theater, John Proctor Is the Villain is a play you won’t want to miss. It’s a powerful exploration of gender, power, and self-identity, delivered through the eyes of a group of high school girls who are finding their voices in the world.
Sadie Sink’s Broadway debut in John Proctor Is the Villain is a major milestone in her career, and her Stranger Things family couldn’t be prouder. With her impressive talent, Sink continues to prove that she’s more than just a TV star—she’s a versatile performer with a bright future ahead. Thanks to the unwavering support of her co-stars, Sink’s opening night was a huge success, and John Proctor Is the Villain is already making waves as one of the most talked-about plays on Broadway.
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking, emotionally charged performance, make sure to catch John Proctor Is the Villain at the Booth Theatre. Sink’s performance is one you won’t forget.