As an avid Rent fan, it brings me great joy to pass on the news of the Off-Broadway Cast Announcement! Check it out:

Annaleigh Ashford (Maureen Johnson)
Margot Bingham (Alexi Darling, Roger’s Mom, and others)
Adam Chanler-Berat (Mark Cohen)
Nicholas Christopher (Tom Collins)
Arianda Fernandez (Mimi Marquez)
Marcus Paul James (Mr. Jefferson, Paul, and others)
Tamika Sonja Lawrence (Mrs. Jefferson, woman with bags)
Corbin Reid (Joanne Jefferson)
Michael Rodriguez (Angel Schunard)
Matt Shingledecker (Roger Davis)
Ephraim Sykes (Benjamin Coffin III)
Ben Thompson (Christmas caroler, Mr. Grey, The Man, and others)
Michael Wartella (Steve, Gordon, Waiter, and others)
Morgan Weed (Mark’s Mom and others)
Company: Sean Michael Murray, Xavier Cano, and Genny Padilla

Annaleigh Ashford was brilliant in Wicked and Rent. I did not see her in Hair but I’m sure she was fantastic in that as well. I fell in love with Adam Chanler-Berat in Next to Normal, so I interviewed him right after the show’s big Tony Award wins. He also made a sweet welcome video for Hollywood the Write Way which you can view at the top right of the site. I was unable to see In The Heights, so I haven’t seen Marcus Paul James since Rent was on Broadway. It is good to see him back in the show! I am also excited about the unfamiliar names, fresh talent! It should be quite a show!

Previews begin Thursday, July 14, 2011. Rent opens Thursday, August 11, 2011 at New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, between Eighth and Ninth Avenues. Preview prices are $65- $85 and prices after August 12th are $69.50 – $89.50. Rent will be DARK on Tuesdays and will have Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2pm.

Purchase tickets at siteforrent.com or telecharge.com, by phone at 212-947-8844, or at the New World Stages box office.