Gaten Matarazzo is trading the supernatural terrors of Hawkins for the bright lights of London’s West End. The 25-year-old actor, globally recognized as the lovable Dustin Henderson from Netflix’s mega-hit ‘Stranger Things’, is currently starring as Mark in a fresh revival of the rock musical ‘Rent’ at The Tom Stoppard Theatre.
It is a massive change of pace. On a television set, you get the comfort of multiple takes. On a live stage, there is no safety net. ‘You don’t get the luxury of thirty takes,’ Matarazzo points out. Yet, the transition back to live theatre—where he actually started his career as a child Broadway actor—has been incredibly grounding.
Craving a Routine
For Matarazzo, the rigorous demands of a theatrical run are a welcome relief. Television production is notoriously unpredictable. Shoots can run late into the night, and schedules change on a dime. Stage work, by contrast, offers a steady rhythm. ‘My favorite part of theatre specifically is the schedule,’ he says, noting how much he values going to sleep and waking up at the same predictable hours. Without that structure, he admits he can feel a bit lost.
Playing Mark, a struggling filmmaker who documents the lives of his bohemian friends in East Village New York, keeps the actor on stage for almost the entire show. It is a demanding vocal performance. Though the music fits his vocal range well, the sheer volume of singing requires constant hydration and vocal care. He loves the challenge. Unlike filming, theatre allows him to experience a character’s entire emotional journey from start to finish in real time.
A Story That Still Resonates
Originally premiering three decades ago, ‘Rent’ captured the struggles of young artists navigating the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Its creator, Jonathan Larson, tragically passed away the night before the first public performance. Despite the decades that have passed, the musical’s themes of community, love, and survival remain deeply potent.
Matarazzo highlights the song ‘What You Own’ as particularly relevant to modern audiences, noting that it captures the chaotic feeling of contemporary information overload.
He shares the stage with Travis Ross, who plays the role of Roger. Both actors emphasize that the production is a true team effort. It is not just about a few big-name leads. ‘In the same way we get our moments to tell the story, there’s also ten other people who get their moments,’ Ross says.
Moving on From Hawkins
For many in the audience, seeing Matarazzo live is a chance to connect with a star of one of the biggest television shows in history. ‘Stranger Things’ wrapped up its final filming sessions in 2024. With the series concluded, the young cast is now forging new paths.
Matarazzo remains immensely grateful for his time on the show, calling the role of Dustin the greatest honor of his life. While he would gladly step back into the character if the opportunity ever arose, he is equally content to look forward. For now, his focus is entirely on the London stage, where he is scheduled to perform until January 10.