Gaten Matarazzo to make West End debut in 'Rent'

Gaten Matarazzo is best known for playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things. On stage, he most recently appeared as Tobias in Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway.

Summary

• Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo is making his West End debut in Rent
• The show is inspired by the 2020 Hope Mill Theatre production
• Paddington director Luke Sheppard will direct the production

Gaten Matarazzo will make his West End debut in a new production of Jonathan Larson’s Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Rent. The musical will begin performances at the Duke of York's Theatre from 26 September, celebrating 30 years since its premiere on Broadway.

Inspired by his 2020 Hope Mill Theatre production, this new production will be directed by Olivier Award winner Luke Sheppard (Paddington The Musical, Starlight Express).

Matarazzo is best known for playing Dustin Henderson in the Netflix series Stranger Things. On stage, he most recently appeared as Tobias in Sweeney Todd at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway. His other stage credits include Dear Evan Hansen, Godspell, and Parade. He also appeared as Jack in Into the Woods at the Hollywood Bowl.

Producers Chris Harper and Sonia Friedman said: “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing RENT back to the West End in this bold new production. We were completely exhilarated when we first saw Luke Sheppard’s staging at the Hope Mill Theatre in 2020 - it felt immediate, emotional and utterly alive. Jonathan Larson’s musical remains as powerful and resonant as ever, and Luke has found a way to honour its legacy while making it feel thrillingly fresh for today’s audiences. We cannot wait to share this production and all that we have planned for it. It promises to be a truly special theatrical event.”

Sheppard said: “It's an honour to be bringing RENT into the West End for its 30th anniversary year, and a personal privilege to return to Jonathan Larson's extraordinary musical. Directing the show at the Hope Mill Theatre was a transformative experience and we were overwhelmed by the audience response. The opportunity to reimagine that production on a larger scale is a dream come true, bringing West End audiences up close to the heartfelt emotion and raw energy that powers this seminal musical. This is RENT in the hands of a new generation of performers who love and adore this piece, and with Gaten Matarazzo playing Mark, it promises to be a thrilling experience.”

Set in New York's East Village, Rent follows a group of young artists, musicians and friends, as they navigate love, ambition and creativity in the shadow of the HIV/AIDS crisis. The musical is inspired by Puccini's La Bohème.

Rent has music, lyrics and book by Jonathan Larson, with direction by Luke Sheppard, choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves, set design by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, video design and cinematography by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi, make-up and hair design by Jackie Saundercock, and intimacy direction by Asha Jennings-Grant.

Further casting to be announced soon.

Check back for Rent tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Gaten Matarazzo. (Photo by Victoria Stevens)