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Stranger Things Star Swaps Demogorgons for Rent on West End
8 Oct
Summary
- Gaten Matarazzo traded Netflix filming for London's West End stage.
- He finds the theatre schedule a refreshing change from filming.
- Matarazzo discusses Rent's relevance to modern issues like information overload.
Gaten Matarazzo, known for his role as Dustin Henderson in Stranger Things, is now performing in a modern revival of the rock musical Rent on London's West End. He finds the consistent theatre schedule a refreshing change from the demanding process of filming the popular Netflix series, which concluded its run. Matarazzo, who has prior Broadway experience from his childhood, prefers the structure of theatre, emphasizing the benefits of a regular sleep schedule.
In Rent, Matarazzo portrays Mark, a filmmaker and narrator. He believes certain songs from the 30-year-old musical, particularly "What You Own," remain surprisingly relevant, resonating with today's challenges like information overload. The original production, which premiered off-Broadway in the 1990s, was groundbreaking for its portrayal of young artists navigating the HIV/Aids crisis and addressing social taboos.
Matarazzo is booked to perform in Rent until January 10, 2027. He expressed his enjoyment of the live theatre experience, appreciating the opportunity to develop a character arc in real-time. While he cherishes his time on Stranger Things, he remains open to returning to the show if the opportunity arises, calling it "the greatest honor of his life."
