At 20 years old,Gaten Matarazzois already something of aBroadwayveteran.
He does the same inSweeney, sometimes even to his own chagrin.
And of course hell be seen in the upcoming fifth and final season ofStranger Thingson Netflix.
Gaten MatarazzoNathan Johnson
Deadline recently spoke to Matarazzo aboutSweeney Todd, Stranger Thingsand these heady days of Broadways latest spring.
The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
DEADLINE:Tell me how you got involved withSweeney Todd.
Gaten Matarazzo (Credit: Nathan Johnson)
GATEN MATARAZZO:It was just an audition.
Thats all it was.
If it happens it happens.
If it doesnt, it doesnt.
You just move one.
But I didnt move on.
I wasnt very satisfied.
I didnt really like my voice on the tape.
Then they asked me to come back and it was wonderful.I think they liked the tape.
DEADLINE:What was it about the tape you didnt like?
I just felt that I could have done better.
And your character has one of his most beloved songs Not While Im Around.
MATARAZZO:There was straight up fear for a while.
DEADLINE:TheMary Poppins-Dick Van Dyke of it.
MATARAZZO:The veryMary Poppinsof it!
And I just really did not want to do that.
That was my biggest thing.
So, I just had to re-center and know what I could bring to the table.
I think the most comfortable I feel on that stage is during that number.
Sweeney Todd Broadway Review
DEADLINE:That song is the heart of the show.
Its one of Sondheims most beloved numbers.
MATARAZZO:I venture to get rid of those expectations.
People will like what they like, and people will dislike what they dislike.
You cant do anything about that.
You have to do what makes you feel good.
I know shes going to hate me for saying that, but I know its the absolute truth.
DEADLINE:The reviews for this show and for you were ecstatic.
Did you read any of them?
Ive been dealing with breaking out of that shell since I was very, very young.
You knew, whether or not you were doing a good job based on people telling you that.
When youre 13, 14, that sticks, and its hard to break out of that even now.
You know what I mean?
DEADLINE:Does the audience reaction get your attention?
But thats just how this all works.
Thats just how live theater goes, and youve got to get used to that.
How did you walk that line?
MATARAZZO:Oh, thats a good question.
Thats something that I think I had to get out of my own head.
I took it so seriously in the beginning.
I took this character so seriously and I took myself so seriously, it was so cringey.
Its a different jot down of comedy though.
You just have to be fully truthful in any delivery you give.
It just took a while for me to be like you know what, thats fine.
As long as people are listening and taking it in.
Most of it is out of your control.
DEADLINE:Well, its very darkly funny and I think people respond to its humor.
People laughed but it was all very in the moment.
MATARAZZO:Whats great about that specific scene is that you never really know.
You dont know how thick that shaving cream is going to be.
You cant be set in your ways, youve got to be flexible.
It looks like youre tipping over in slow motion.
Its like that old game of trust that kids play.
What goes through your mind as thats happening?
MATARAZZO:Weve done this so many times that I feel very, very safe.
Weve never had a mishap.
And we definitely dont want a drop there, we want a slow, concise movement.
Some people say it looks like Im gliding down an esophagus, and I thought that was really cool.
Any time we get a call for a choreo day, he says Were doing shapes today.
DEADLINE:Thats it.
Youre moving your hands in these weird sorts of ways.
MATARAZZO:Weird is a good way to say it.
Theres something interesting about the way he decides to make people move that can invoke fear, discomfort.
Theres something unsettling about certain ways that were required to move.
Its disturbing, and its interesting.
Steven is truly one of the most brilliant minds in choreography in the world today.
DEADLINE:I have to ask you a last question.
The new season ofStranger Thingsis coming up.
The filming starts when?
MATARAZZO:We dont know yet.
I hope soon but Im fine with whatever.
They can take their time, so I can do this show as long as I can.
