Matthew Schechter

Matthew Schechter (born 15 October 2000) is an American child actor working in theatre, television and film. Debuting in 2009, Schechter has performed in a total of six Broadway shows.^[1] In addition, Schechter has worked on several television programs, including Law & Order, 30 Rock, and What Would You Do.^[2] In 2015, Schechter filmed Bad Dads, a drama-comedy short film with costar Danny Burstein.

Theatrical career

Broadway Productions

Schechter 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, received rave reviews, and became one of Roundabout Theatre Company's greatest successes.^[3] Months later, Schechter assumed the role of Michael Banks in Disney's 2006 production of Mary Poppins.^[1] After a year of work in Marry Poppins, 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 show received generally mixed reviews. Approximately one year after the closing of Elf: The Musical, Schechter booked the role of Les in the original cast of Newsies (2012). Following the completion of the opening night performance, Schechter received outstanding reviews for his work. Ben Brantley of The New York Times wrote that Schechter was a "wisecracking, deadpan child prodigy."^[4] Schechter outgrew his role after over a year of performance, leaving the show shortly after the departure of star Jeremy Jordan. Subsequently, Schechter joined the 2013 cast of Richard III, where he played Prince Edward next to fellow actor Mark Rylance. The show, brought to New York City by the Globe Theatre, was a sold-out success. Less than one year later, Schechter landed the roles of Moss Hart and Bernie Hart in Act One (2014).^[1] Once again, Schechter received exceptional reviews. The New York Times heralded Schechter as "a very fine" actor.^[5] In Act One, Schechter worked with a cast that included Tony Shalhoub and Andrea Martin. The play was directed by James Lapine.

Off-Broadway Productions

Schechter has performed in numerous readings, workshops, and Off-Broadway productions. In 2011, Schechter performed in Dael Orlandersmith and Gordon Edelstein's Horsedreams at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.^[6] Schechter has sung with the New York City Opera in their production of Tosca, and in their Cavalleria rusticana.

Film and television career

Filmography

Law & Order (2006–2015) - Thomas, Peter Best

Z Rock (2008) - J.J. Gottfried

Important Things with Demetri Martin (2009) - Boy

30 Rock (2009) - Jayden

A Gifted Man (2012) - Boy

Saturday Night Live (2012) - Matthew Schechter (Himself)

66th Tony Awards (2012) - Performer

Disney 365 (2012) - Matthew Schechter (Himself)

What Would You Do (2013–2015) - Boy Scout, Matthew Schechter (Himself)

Late Show with David Letterman (2013) - 'Vienna Choir Boy'

Bad Dads (2015) -

References