Stranger Things' Dustin Actor Joins Dear Evan Hansen's Broadway Cast

screenrant.com:

Stranger Things star Gaten Matarazzo has been cast in the latest iteration of Broadway’s Dear Evan Hansen. Though most known for his role as the lovable Dustin Henderson on Netflix’s Stranger Things show, Matarazzo also has a notable set of Broadway roles to his name. Now 19 years old, Matarazzo started his career on the stage over a decade ago, starring in Broadway’s 2011 production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. In 2014, he played the beloved character of Gavroche in the revival of Les Misérables.

Now, Matarazzo returns to Broadway by joining the cast of Dear Evan Hansen, according to THR. The Stranger Things star will play the role of Jared Kleinman, who is friends with protagonist Evan Hansen, set to be played by Zachary Noah Piser. Piser will be the first Asian-American actor to inhabit the titular role, which Ben Platt premiered in Dear Evan Hansen’s Broadway debut back in 2015. Matarazzo’s production of Dear Evan Hansen is set to open on July 19. Regarding his new role, Matarazzo says: 

Related: Gaten Matarazzo Is Right About Dustin/Steve Stranger Things Spinoff

Words could never express how truly honored I am to be a part of this company. 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.

Fans, too, will be ecstatic for Matarazzo’s Broadway return. Dear Evan Hansen has been one of the most popular and acclaimed musicals of the 2010s, winning the Tony for Best Musical and consistently selling out shows even when the esteemed Platt left its cast. Joining the cast of Dear Evan Hansengives Matarazzo a new way to show off his talent, and with Stranger