\n<\/p>\n
In Rent, Matarazzo plays struggling film-maker Mark, who chronicles and narrates the lives of his friends.<\/p>\n
It has been 30 years since the show first opened off-Broadway in New York, but the actor says there are “certain songs that weirdly resonate now”.<\/p>\n
“What You Own, which feels like a reflection on information overload, is incredibly relevant,” he says.<\/p>\n
“That’s really fun to sing in context of today.”<\/p>\n
When it was first performed, Rent shone a light on young friends and artists living in late 1980s and early 1990s New York during the HIV\/Aids crisis.<\/p>\n
It was considered groundbreaking at the time for tackling social taboos and centering stories of LGBT people. <\/p>\n
Writer Jonathan Larson died suddenly the night before its premiere. <\/p>\n
Matarazzo’s co-star, Travis Ross, who plays Roger, says the show’s themes still “ring true” today.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old says having Rent tends to attract people who “care so deeply” about the show’s message, resulting in a connection between actors and the audience.<\/p>\n
He calls it a “really beautiful community-driven piece of art”. <\/p>\n
Both Ross and Matarazzo are keen to acknowledge their fellow cast members and point out Rent is “an ensemble” piece.<\/p>\n
“In the same way we get our moments to tell the story there’s also ten other people who get their moments to tell the story as well,” says Ross.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n