Rodney Hicks Returns to 'Rent' with New-Comers Bennet & Jay

The producers of Rent, winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize, have announced that Declan Bennett and Harley Jay will assume the roles of Roger and Mark in the long-running Broadway hit on Monday, October 8, joining original cast member Rodney Hicks who has returned to the show in the role of Benny.

Declan Bennett makes his Broadway debut direct from London, England.  A fiercely independent singer-songwriter, with a dedicated following on the UK underground circuit, he has just completed his second solo album, to be released early 2008.  Theatre credits include Rent (2006/2007 National US tour), and Boy George's Taboo (West End and UK tour).

Rodney Hicks is an original off-Broadway and Broadway cast member of Rent in which he created the role of Paul.  He also played Peter in the Broadway revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.  His off-Broadway credits include The Nightshade Family, Jacques Brel… (DD, OCC nom./cast album), From My Hometown (AUDELCO nom.), and Irrationals. 

Harley Jay makes his Broadway debut in Rent after playing Mark in the show's national tour.  Television and film credits include 2 Fast 2 Furious, "Boston Public" and others. He has two albums out: a Broadway album called "Between 41st and 54th" and an original album entitled "This Ain't an Audition."

Rent, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, opened at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre, on April 29, 1996 following a history making, sold out, extended limited engagement at off-Broadway's New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama.  Rent is the seventh longest running show in Broadway history.

Rent plays at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41 Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8PM, Saturday at 2PM & 8PM, and Sunday at 2PM & 7PM.  Tickets, priced $45-$100, can be purchased by calling TicketMaster at (212) 307-4100.  A limited number of $20 tickets are available day of performance at the box office.