'Stranger Things' actress in Pittsburgh, will toss first pitch at Pirates game
Don’t be alarmed if you notice strange things going on in Pittsburgh Friday.
“Stranger Things Night” at PNC Park is upon us. The Pirates evening is inspired by Netflix’s original science fiction series created, written and directed by the Duffer Brothers.
The Pirates host the San Diego Padres at 7:05 p.m.
Those who arrive early will get to see actress Priah Ferguson, who joined the show last season and plays Erica Sinclair, the little sister of Lucas Sinclair. Priah is throwing out the first pitch at the ballpark.
“I don’t play sports, but I like sports,” she told the Tribune-Review. “I am excited for the game and have been practicing my pitching. It hasn’t gone so well, though, because my throws have been going into the woods.”
If she misses the mark, she won’t be the first person to toss a bad pitch at PNC Park. She most likely will hit a home run with fans who purchase a $25 ticket which includes a grandstand game ticket, “Stranger Things” Pirates-themed T-shirt, pre-game waffle party and fireworks.
She will also meet with some fans who will undoubtedly want to hear about the upcoming Season 3. The show returns on July 4.
“Fans will see more of Erica this season,” said Priah, 12. “So tune in.”
It's almost time. #StrangerThings pic.twitter.com/GnvcfBvLDg
— Stranger Things (@Stranger_Things) June 21, 2019
She’s relied on her real-life younger sister, Jayda, 10, in learning how to play the role of a little sister.
“She will let me know when I am doing something I shouldn’t be doing,” Priah said. “She will tell me, ‘Hey, you know shouldn’t be doing that.’ I see my sister in Erica, but I also see some of myself in Erica.”
Priah, who attends public school in Atlanta, said she likes acting because she gets to step into someone else’s shoes and be a role model for young girls who can relate to her character.
She fell in love with acting at age 5 by watching lots of TV shows and movies. She’d rehearse the lines she heard from the actors and actresses. Her parents were skeptical at first when she wanted to be an actress but they eventually came around. They got her involved in workshops and with an agency. She’s worked with Tiffany Haddish on the movie “The Oath” and H1’s “Daytime Divas” with Tichina Arnold. She’s also been on the PBS’s “Mercy Street” and the FX series “Atlanta.”
Excited to be featured on the latest (and my first) cover of @NYOTAMagazine! Eeek. I talk about why #ArtIsLife, how fans of @Stranger_Things surprised me, and more.? Issue 16 https://t.co/5nCXru1O8E via @issuu - Visit me on IG for more. pic.twitter.com/dcO9LUDVT5
— Priah Nicole Ferguson (@priahferguson) June 15, 2019
Her hobby is nail art. She was sporting gold nails with black stars on Friday — Pittsburgh sports colors. Her house has a room set up like a nail salon.
When asked what’s next, she said she has been writing and hopes to one day have her work published as a television show, movie or screenplay.
“Stranger Things” has created buzz with the return of “New Coke” in anticipation of the return of the series. Coke products will be featured in the show and available for a limited time.
The most refreshing way to travel back to 1985. #StrangerThings3 #Enjoy #GiftWithPurchase #LimitedEdition pic.twitter.com/jA6Kb158pv
— Coca-Cola (@CocaCola) May 29, 2019
Burger King has got in on the retro marketing by offering an upside down Whopper today that comes in 1980s packaging.
we thought about turning your drink upside down first. but, you know...that didn’t work out so well.
served upside down at select bk locations today only. pic.twitter.com/IYv0cmlaLI
— Stranger King (@BurgerKing) June 21, 2019
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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