"Dear Evan Hansen" finds its new Jared Kleinman, and it is in the form of "Stranger Things" actor Gaten Matarazzo.
The announcement comes a day before Matarazzo's current television hit show "Stranger Things" premiere its last season on Netflix worldwide.
The announcement is no shocker as the 19-year-old singer/actor has been in the theatre business for so long.
'Dear Evan Hansen' Casts Gaten Matarazzo as the new Jared Kleinman
Originating the role from Emmy-winning actor-singer Will Roland, Gaten Matarazzo is by far the most notable replacement for Evan's reluctant "family friend."
Gaten is finally making a comeback on Broadway at the Tony-winning musical for a limited run on Broadway starting July 19, 2022.
"I'm so stoked. I got the news a little while ago, which is so mean because I want to tell everyone in my entire life and I haven't been able to until now. Now I can, and I'm so excited!" Gatan revealed on Tuesday's Live with Kelly and Ryan.
According to Gaten, "Dear Evan Hansen" has taught him much about himself. He is ecstatic to both participate and return on stage - saying he's "eternally grateful for the opportunity."
The young artist is literally not a stranger thing onstage, as he had his Broadway debut at the age of nine in "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert."
His most notable Broadway appearance is in the revival of "Les Miserables" in 2014, where he played Gavroche - the same role that he played in the musical's 25th Anniversary Concert.
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Gaten will play Jared in his new role, the closest thing that Evan Hansen has for a friend. Despite his reluctance to spend time with the titular character, Jared is forced to - in an attempt to help Evan to further lie about his letters.
He joins Zachary Noah Piser, the first Asian American actor to take on the role of Evan Hansen on Broadway. North America tour alums Noah Kieserman, Ciara Elyse Harris, and Ann Sanders will be playing Connor Murphy, Alana Beck, and Cynthia Murphy. (via The Hollywood Reporter)
"Dear Evan Hansen" is currently playing on Broadway at the Music Box Theatre. The production re-opened last December 2021 with Jordan Fisher, after closing due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
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