“Stranger Things” star Gaten Matarazzo is returning to Broadway.
The actor who began his career on the Broadway stage as Benjamin in “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and Gavroche in” Les Misérables” has since gathered critical acclaim in the film industry, shedding off the newbie status that earlier trailed him.
Matarazzo now stars in the Duffer Brother’s fiction horror drama series “Stranger Things,” portraying a main cast role as Dustin Henderson, which he has played since the show debuted in 2016. While the actor would undoubtedly feature in the forthcoming sequel of the series, fans will also see him return to the theatre in a new role in the acclaimed play “Dear Evan Hansen.”
Read below for more details.
Matarazzo Says He Is Grateful For The Opportunity
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According to The Hollywood Reporter, Matarazzo released a statement informing his fans of his latest project ahead of his preparation for the part.
“Words could never express how truly honored I am to be a part of this company,” Matarazzo said in a statement. “This show has taught me so much about myself, and to be able to participate in any capacity, let alone on Broadway, makes me want to melt. I am ecstatic to be back on stage and eternally grateful for the opportunity.”
“Dear Evan Hansen” is based on a Steven Levenson novel about a socially anxious high school kid who pretends to be pals with a deceased student. The Broadway play debuted in December 2016 at the Music Box Theatre and went on to win six Tony Awards.
At its onset, “Dear Evan Hansen’s” music and lyrics were written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, with orchestration by Alex Lacamoire. Stephen Chbosky would later direct a cinematic adaptation of Dear Evan Hansen, which premiered on September 24, 2021.
Cast Of ‘Dear Evan Hansen’
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In the play, Matarazzo will star as Jared Kleinman, the sarcastic buddy of titular character Evan Hansen. The role was previously played by actors Alex Wyse, Will Roland, Jared Goldsmith, and Jack Loxton in other theatre productions.
This time, Zachary Noah Piser will portray Evan Hansen, marking a milestone as the first Asian American actor to take on the role of the titular character. Rounding up the cast are Talia Simone Robinson, Jessica Phillips, Christiane Noll, David Jeffery, Manoel Felciano, Jared Goldsmith, Phoebe Koyabe, Linedy Genao, Asa Somers, Nathan Levy, Mateo Lizcano, Dan Macke, Jane Pfitsch, D’Kaylah Unique Whitley, Josh Strobl, and Nicole Van Giesen.
Given Matarrazo’s extensive involvement in Broadway shows, fans are anticipating a fantastic performance from the actor when the play premieres. He had previously starred in plays like “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” “Les Misérables,” “Cinderella,” and “Into the Woods.”
‘Stranger Things 4’
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In the meantime, Matarrazo will be making his return to the big screen in his long-running role in Netflix hit series “Stranger Things.”
The final trailer for Season 4 of “Stranger Things” dropped a few days ago and gave fans a look back at the three previous seasons. Noah Schnapp, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Maya Hawke, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Priah Ferguson, and Cara Buono will reprise their roles as the show’s main cast.
Additionally, Brett Gelman, who portrayed Murray Bauman, has been promoted to series regular status for season four. As per an earlier announcement this year by Netflix, the new plot summary will begin six months after the Battle of Starcourt, focusing on the group of friends still struggling with the aftermath of that ordeal.
A new and terrifying supernatural menace will emerge at this most vulnerable time, posing a grisly mystery that, if answered, may finally put a stop to the horrors they’ve endured since season one.
Premiere Dates
Ahead of the launch of the fourth installment of the Netflix hit series, the show’s stars dressed up to celebrate the season 4 world premiere in Brooklyn, New York.
Matarazzo shared photos from the event on his Instagram account, showing him suited up in a beautiful, stylish suit and sneakers, mingling with fans who had gathered to celebrate the show’s comeback. The actor’s fans on social media were not left out from sharing in the fun, as they sent in their comments following his post.
One fan said, “We are proud of u! Keep doing this amazing work many blessings coming ur way fam.”
Another follower commented, “We are going to wait for the fourth season with great excitement.”
A third fan wrote, “I can’t wait so happy very proud of you.”
The fourth season will have nine episodes shared across two volumes, with the first part premiering on May 27, 2022, and the second five weeks after on July 1, 2022. “Dear Evan Hansen” will also return to Broadway on July 19.
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