Matthew Schechter (born October 15, 2000) is an American child actor working in theatre, television and film. Schechter has performed in six Broadway shows since his debut in 2009.[1] In addition, Schechter has worked on several television programs, including Law & Order, 30 Rock, and What Would You Do?.[2] Most recently, Schechter filmed Bad Dads, a drama-comedy short film with costar Danny Burstein and acted as Peter Best in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Matthew Schechter | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 15, 2000 (age 24) |
| Occupation(s) | Actor, voice actor, stage actor, screen actor |
| Years active | 2006-present |
Theatrical career
editBroadway Productions
editSchechter made his Broadway debut in 2009 as Boy in the revival of Waiting for Godot. He performed alongside Nathan Lane, Bill Irwin, John Goodman, and John Glover. The production was nominated for three Tony Awards and became one of Roundabout Theatre Company's greatest successes.[3] Months later, Schechter appeared as Michael Banks in Disney's 2006 production of Mary Poppins.[1] After one year of work as Michael Banks, Schechter joined a cast led by Sebastian Arcelus in the original production of Elf: The Musical. There, Schechter stood-by for the role of Michael and performed nightly as Boy.[1] The production received mixed reviews, but was revived on Broadway in 2012. Approximately one year after the closing of Elf: The Musical, Schechter originated Les in Newsies (2012), receiving exceptional reviews for his work. Ben Brantley of The New York Times described Schechter as a "wisecracking, deadpan child prodigy."[4] After over a year of performance, Schechter left the show shortly after the departure of star Jeremy Jordan. Subsequently, Schechter joined the 2013 cast of Richard III, where he played Prince Edward among fellow actors Samuel Barnett and Mark Rylance. The play, brought to New York City by the Globe Theatre, was a sold-out success. Immediately after Richard III had concluded, Schechter created the roles of Moss Hart and Bernie Hart in director James Lapine's Act One (2014).[1] The show was praised by Ben Brantley; Schechter received excellent reviews. The New York Times again heralded Schechter as "a very fine" actor.[5] The play's cast included Tony Shalhoub, Andrea Martin, and Santino Fontana.
Off-Broadway Productions
editSchechter has performed in various readings, workshops, and Off-Broadway productions. In 2011, Schechter performed in Dael Orlandersmith and Gordon Edelstein's Horsedreams at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.[6] He received recognition from publications including Variety, "a wonderfully natural performance by the amazing Matthew Schechter" and The New York Times, "Mr. Schechter is absolutely wonderful as his child who makes seeming older than his years tragic."[7][8] Additionally, Schechter has sung with the New York City Opera in productions of Tosca and Cavalleria Rusticana.
Film and television career
editFilmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Law & Order | Thomas | |
| 2008 | Z Rock | J.J. Gottfried | |
| 2009 | Important Things with Demetri Martin | Boy | |
| 2009 | 30 Rock | Jayden | |
| 2012 | A Gifted Man | Boy | |
| 2012 | Saturday Night Live | Himself | |
| 2012 | 66th Tony Awards | Himself | |
| 2012 | Disney 365 | Himself | |
| 2013 | What Would You Do? | Boy Scout | |
| 2013 | Late Show with David Letterman | 'Vienna Choir Boy' | |
| 2015 | What Would You Do? | Himself | |
| 2015 | Bad Dads | ||
| 2015 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Peter Best |
Schechter has also performed as a voice actor in commercials and other recordings.
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Matthew Schechter Theatre Credits". www.broadwayworld.com. Retrieved 2016-01-08.
- ^ "Matthew Schechter - About This Person - Movies & TV - NYTimes.com". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Baseline & All Movie Guide. 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2016-01-08.
- ^ "Home - TonyAwards.com - The American Theatre Wing's Tony Awards® - Official Website by IBM". TonyAwards.com. Retrieved 2016-04-21.
- ^ Brantley, Ben (2012-03-29). "'Newsies the Musical,' by Alan Menken and Harvey Fierstein". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-04-21.
- ^ Brantley, Ben (2014-04-17). "Several Moss Harts Are in 'Act One,' at Lincoln Center". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-04-21.
- ^ "Horsedreams - Rattlestick Playwrights Theater". Rattlestick Playwrights Theater. Retrieved 2016-01-08.
- ^ Zinoman, Jason (2011-11-17). "'Horsedreams,' at the Rattlestick Theater - Review". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-09-05.
- ^ Stasio, Marilyn (2011-11-18). "Review: 'Horsedreams'". Variety. Retrieved 2017-09-05.