Brandon Victor Dixon to Play 'Tom Collins' in New World Stages' RENT Through February

Brandon Victor Dixon joins the cast of Rent in the role of Tom Collins beginning Thursday, December 1, and playing through February 12, 2012. Mr. Dixon takes over from Nicholas Christopher who is on medical leave and who will return to the show in February.

Brandon Victor Dixon originated the role of Harpo in The Color Purple and recently appeared in Cotton Club Parade at Encores! He also created the role of Haywood in The Scottsboro Boys at the Vineyard Theatre for which he received Lucille Lortel, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle award nominations. He played adult Simba in the national tour of The Lion King and Ray Charles in the Pasadena Playhouse production of Ray Charles Live. Mr. Dixon’s television appearances include “The Good Wife” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”

Rent first opened February 13, 1996 at New York Theatre Workshop where it was hailed as a landmark in the history of the American musical. It transferred to Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996, and enjoyed a remarkable 12 year run. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, New York Drama Critics Circle Award, Drama Desk Award, and the Outer Critics Circle Award. Additionally, Rent is one of only eight musicals to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama. In all Rent won four Tony Awards, six Drama Desk Awards, two Theatre World Awards, and Obie Awards for its creator, director, and entire cast. Rent closed at the Nederlander Theatre on Sunday, September 7, 2008, after playing 5,124 performances and 16 previews.

Rent performs Mondays and Wednesday through Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 7:30pm, with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm, at New World Stages, 340 West 50 Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Tickets may be purchased by visiting siteforrent.com or telecharge.com; by phoning 212-947-8844; or by going to the New World Stages box office, 340 West 50 Street. For box office hours visit newworldstages.com/boxoffice.html. For more information about Rent, visit siteforrent.com.