Gaten Matarazzo is preparing to head back to Broadway! Most known as the character Dustin Henderson in the hit series Stranger Things, Matarazzo, much like a few of his Stranger Things co-stars, first got his start in show business performing on the stage.
Having performed on Broadway in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert and Les Misérables, Matarazzo is returning to Broadway, for the first time since his star turn on Stranger Things, to play Jared Kleinman in the closing cast of Dear Evan Hansen.
Ahead of his big Broadway return on July 19, Matarazzo answered 5 questions with Broadway Direct, telling us how he caught the performing bug from his sister, how his cast inspires him in both stage and screen projects, and the conversations he’d like to have with his cats.
1. What inspired you to become an actor?
My sister. She started a while ago and I just wanted to be like my big sister.
2. Who in your field inspires you?
My cast. In any project I’m working on. That’s where inspiration starts is through connection with the people you work with and the people they chose to be on stage/screen.
3. What will audiences be most excited about seeing in Dear Evan Hansen?
It’s a wonderful production that has become a real staple of modern theatre, especially with youth. It’s quite a spectacle visually that our cast complements really well.
4. If you didn’t need to sleep at night, what would you spend your time doing?
I have a terrible sleeping schedule so I’m often in this position anyway. Probably just have full-on conversations with my cats. Just to feel as unhinged as possible when the sun comes up.
5. What is your favorite NYC spot?
My apartment.