The “Rent” West End revival has unveiled the principal cast joining “Stranger Things” star Gaten Matarazzo, who will play Mark in Jonathan Larson’s beloved musical.
The cast includes some of the West End’s best and brightest, including Travis Ross (“Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club,” “Cake: The Marie Antoinette Playlist”) as Roger; Bella Brown (“Into the Woods,” “Evita”) as Mimi; Billy Nevers (“Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Hamilton” U.K. and Ireland tour) as Collins; Lazy Violet (“Rent” at Landmark Theatre) as Maureen; Olivier Award nominee Danielle Fiamanya (“Brigadoon”) as Joanne; Jeevan Braich (“Starlight Express”) as Angel; and Joaquin Pedro Valdes (“Herakles in the Frogs”) as Benny. Further casting is coming soon.
Danielle Fiamanya as Joanne and Lazy Violet as Maureen.
Oliver Rosser
Due to popular demand, it was also announced on Wednesday that the show has been extended to March 27, 2027. “Rent” will begin previews at the Duke of York’s Theatre — soon to be renamed the Tom Stoppard Theatre — on Sept. 26, with opening night set for Oct. 8.
Originally premiering in January 1996 — the night after Larson suddenly died at 35 — “Rent” follows a group of young artists and friends in New York City’s East Village “navigating love, ambition and creativity while trying to build lives on their own terms,” its synopsis reads. “Inspired by Puccini’s La Bohème, this iconic musical captures the joy, uncertainty and resilience of a generation determined to make every moment count. Featuring an unforgettable score and a story that continues to resonate, ‘Rent’ is a powerful celebration of community, connection and a call to live every minute as if it were your last. No day but today.”
Billy Nevers as Collins and Jeevan Braich as Angel.
Oliver Rosser
This production of “Rent” will be directed by Luke Sheppard with music, lyrics and books by Larson. Choreography is by Tom Jackson Greaves, set design is by David Woodhead, costume design by Gabriella Slade, lighting design by Howard Hudson, audio production and sound design by Paul Gatehouse, video design and cinematography by George Reeve and Nathan Amzi, make-up and hair design by Jackie Saundercock, U.K. casting by Pearson Casting CSA, CDG, CDA and U.S. casting by Jim Carnahan CSA. The musical supervisor is Bill Sherman and the musical director and associate musical supervisor is Katy Richardson, the intimacy director is Asha Jennings-Grant, the associate director is Priya Patel Appleby and the dialect coach is Joe Trill. It’s produced by Chris Harper Productions, Sonia Friedman Productions, Winkler & Smalberg and Julie Larson in association with the Hope Mill Theatre.
“One of the greatest privileges of producing theatre is discovering and championing exceptional new talent, and that’s exactly what this extraordinary young company represents,” producers Harper and Friedman said in a statement. “This remarkable group of actors embodies everything that has made Jonathan Larson’s ‘Rent’ so enduring: individuality, honesty, fearlessness and generosity of spirit.”
Joaquin Pedro Valdes as Benny.
Oliver Rosser
They added: “Nearly 30 years after it first changed the landscape of musical theatre, ‘Rent’ remains as vital, urgent and life-affirming as ever. Its story of love, friendship, community and resilience continues to speak powerfully to every new generation, which is why it felt so important that this production should be led by the voices, vitality and authenticity of the artists performing it today. We can’t wait for audiences to discover these exceptional performers and experience the thrilling chemistry they’ve created together as they honor Jonathan Larson’s extraordinary legacy.”
(Pictured in featured image above: Travis Ross, who is playing Roger, and Bella Brown, who is playing Mimi.)
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