Stranger Things’ Juan Carlos Shares His “Good Vibes” Playlist

Juan Carlos is entering the Upside Down. The rising star is making his Broadway debut in Stranger Things: The First Shadow, which begins performances March 28 at the Marquis Theatre.

In the Broadway prequel, the TV actor portrays the younger version of Bob Newby, Hawkins, Indiana’s trusty but ill-fated RadioShack manager — and eventual boyfriend to Winona Ryder’s Joyce Byers — played by Sean Astin on the Netflix sci-fi hit.

“What’s always resonated with me as a fan of the Stranger Things series is how the story follows a group of outcasts finding each other,” Carlos tells Ticketmaster of his connection to the original series. “All their friendships and relationships don’t always seem like they would make sense on paper but they come together out of necessity. The community is built through a lack thereof, and I think that’s really special. Our show amplifies that feeling of community found through loneliness.”

That same sense of community extends to Carlos’ bond with his Stranger Things: The First Shadow castmates. For example, he shares a dressing room backstage with Andrew Hovelson, who plays his character’s dad (and high school principal) on stage.

“Let me tell you: the Newbys like to have fun,” Carlos says. “We improvise songs together and joke about our fictitious EP coming out in late April. It’s the goofiest time that can suddenly, without warning, shift into a deep conversation about life, insecurities, morals, and our futures.”

Ahead of the first curtain rising on Stranger Things: The First Shadow, Carlos also shared a playlist of the songs he’s been jamming to during rehearsals, ranging from modern hits by Bad Bunny and SZA to throwbacks from The Jackson Five, Elton John and Frank Sinatra. And yes, a certain fan favorite song by Kate Bush also makes the cut, along with a track from Djo, the musical side project of Stranger Things star Joe Keery.

Below, check out Juan Carlos’ pre-show playlist, which he’s quick to specify is meant “to be listened to in order” rather than on shuffle: “Take this emotional journey with me through my mind, the mind of Bob Newby, and where they intersect.”

1. Silk Sonic – “Skate”

Starting off with an absolute BANGER. “Skate” is one of those songs that make me feel like shooting finger guns at people as I glide down the street.

2. The Jackson Five – “I Want You Back”

Keeping the good vibes flowing. “I Want You Back” is impossible to frown to while listening.

3. Bad Bunny – “DtMF”

Getting introspective for the first time in this playlist. Bad Bunny really captures that universal feeling of not knowing what you had ‘til it’s gone. It’s a celebration of culture and a reminder to enjoy what you have while you have it. It reminds me to keep my cast close, hold them tight, and TAKE MORE PICTURES TOGETHER.

4. SZA – “Too Late”

My deeper explanation of why I chose this song could be that it depicts the longing Bob has for Joyce and his desire to have a deeper relationship with her, but to be honest… I just love SZA and this is my favorite song of hers.

5. The Weeknd – “Less Than Zero”

This is where I start interpreting songs through Bob’s eyes. Bob has such a beautiful trajectory that is as delightful and joyous as it is heartbreaking. The world doesn’t see Bob, he’s an outcast — you wouldn’t even notice him walking right by you. I think the way Bob copes with this is that he knows deep down, he’s Superman, even if people can only see him as Clark Kent. But he doesn’t always have the courage to be the hero. That’s his struggle throughout the play: Is he the hero or is he less than zero?

6. Djo – “End Of Beginning”

A shoutout to fellow Stranger Things castmember, Joe Keery. “End Of Beginning” captures a nostalgic bittersweet feeling that I carry with me, both as Bob but also as Juan. This exciting new chapter in my life has been more than I could ever hope for. At the same time, I’m closing the old chapters that have shaped who I am today. Probably something to talk about with my therapist and not Ticketmaster.

7. Elton John – “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

Elton John, the man you are. This song perfectly embodies both mine and Bob’s fear of “leaving the farm,” entering this aforementioned new chapter. If you just follow the yellow brick road, you’ll be led to a land where all your dreams come true. But that’s a shallow facade. There is no wizard that can promise prosperity. “My future lies beyond the yellow brick road.” The journey is the lesson. There is no end destination, rather another road to go down once you’ve outgrown the one we’re on. A continuous voyage that you have to find your own comfort and growth in, because nothing can give you true satisfaction but your own self-worth. Ticketmaster, are you gonna start charging me a co-pay for these counseling sessions?

8. Hey Steve – “Miss Prince”

That concludes our journey of bittersweet nostalgia and questioning our self-worth. Let’s go back to getting hyped up before we have to leave the wing and enter stage right. “Miss Prince” is a funky tune that one of my best friends, Luke, introduced me to. This song makes me smile and I hope it does the same for you.

9. Kate Bush – “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)”

With so much legendary music featured in the Netflix series, I had to include at least one of their iconic tunes. The Kate Bush resurgence was a cultural reset. This is also my favorite season of Stranger Things.

10. Frank Sinatra – “Theme From New York, New York”

A classic that my dressing room roomie, Andrew, and I play to remind ourselves of the absolute beauty of a city we’re in. I’d love to chat more music with you, but it’s showtime! See ya on stage!

Grab tickets for Stranger Things: The First Shadow via Ticketmaster.