Josh Grisetti, Justin Johnston and Rashad Naylor Begin Performances in RENT Tomorrow

Josh Grisetti, Justin Johnston, and Rashad Naylor begin performances tomorrow, January 20, in the roles of Mark, Roger, and Benny, respectively, in the hit off-Broadway production of Rent, currently playing at New World Stages.

Emma Hunton recently joined the cast in the role of Maureen (January 13, 2012) and Aaron Lavigne also recently joined the company (January 7, 2012).

Rounding out the cast of Rent are Margot Bingham (Alexi Darling, Roger’s Mom), Brandon Victor Dixon (Collins), Arianda Fernandez (Mimi), Marcus Paul James (Mr. Jefferson, Paul), Tamika Sonja Lawrence (Mrs. Jefferson, woman with bags), Corbin Reid (Joanne), MJ Rodriguez (Angel), Michael Wartella (Steve, Gordon, Waiter), and Morgan Weed (Mark’s Mom). Also in the company are Sean Michael Murray, Xavier Cano, and Genny Padilla.

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. The current, off-Broadway production of Rent opened August 11, 2011.

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.comor 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.