Aus Artist THNDO Scores Starring Role In Tony Award-Winning Musical 'Rent'

1 November 2023 | 11:14 am | Mary Varvaris

Since Jonathan Larson’s 'Rent' opened in 1996, the musical has connected with audiences globally with its timelessly resonant message: “No day but today”.

'Rent' musical cast

'Rent' musical cast (Credit: Wendell Teodoro)

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The Tony Award-winning musical Rent is heading to Australia in January 2024, taking over venues across the country for months.

While tickets for the Melbourne and Brisbane seasons are already on sale, pre-sale tickets for the show in Perth, Canberra, and Newcastle went on sale yesterday, with general sale tickets on sale tomorrow (2 November). The new dates and tickets were unveiled as the massive cast for the Australian tour of Rent was announced.

Noah Mullins (West Side Story) plays the role of Mark; Roger is played by Jerrod Smith (The Lovers); Martha Berhane (Hamilton) portrays Mimi; The Voice 2023 finalist Calista Nelmes (Jersey Boys NZ) plays Maureen; and The Voice 2022 Grand Finalist, THNDO (Dreamgirls) plays Joanne.

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The actors and singers above will be joined by Nick Afoa (Miss Saigon) as Collins, Carl De Villa (Kinky Boots) as Angel, and Tana Laga’aia (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee) as Benny. The final cast members are Anna Francesca Armenia, Kelsi Boyden (also Resident Director), Mariah Gonzalez, Sam Harmon, Lawrence Hawkins, Josslynn Hlenti (Joanne Alternate), Hannah McInerney, Sam Richardson, Chad Rosete and Theodore Williams.

Shaun Rennie will direct the Australian tour of Rent alongside musical director Andrew Worboys and choreographer Luca Dinardo.

Since Jonathan Larson’s Rent opened in 1996, the musical has become a worldwide sensation and connected with audiences globally with its timelessly resonant message: “No day but today”.

“For over 25 years, RENT has spoken to each new generation of young people, fighting to be heard and seen,” Rennie said in a press release. “Its timeless message of celebrating life in the face of death remains as relevant today as it did 28 years ago when it first took the world by storm. I am honoured and excited to be directing this national tour of RENT with an incredible cast and creative team. Viva La vie Boheme!”

You can find the dates and venues for Rent in Australia below.

There’s NO DAY BUT TODAY to announce the powerhouse cast who will bring the vibrant spirit of Jonathan Larson's multi-Tony® Award-winning musical RENT to life on the Australian Stage from January 2024. Tickets on sale now for Brisbane and Melbourne, and on sale Thursday for Newcastle, Perth and Canberra! 📹 Rod Gotfried 📸 Wendell Teodoro @RentMusicalAU #RENTMusicalAU

Posted by RENT Musical AU on Monday, October 30, 2023

RENT

Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson

Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia)

Director                                Shaun Rennie

Associate Director            Leah Howard

Musical Director               Andrew Worboys

Choreographer                 Luca Dinardo

Lighting Designer             Paul Jackson

Sound Designer                Evan Drill

Set Designer                       Dann Barber

Costume Designer           Ella Butler

BRISBANE SEASON DETAILS

Venue                                  Playhouse, QPAC

Season                                 27 January – 4 February

Tickets                              qpac.com.au or phone 136 246

                                                Groups 10+ call (07) 3840 7466

MELBOURNE SEASON DETAILS

Venue                                  State Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne

Season                                 17 – 25 February

Tickets                              artscentremelbourne.com.au or call 1300 182 183

                                             Groups 10+ call 1300 182 183                    

NEWCASTLE SEASON DETAILS

Venue                                  Civic Theatre, Newcastle

Season                                 15 – 17 March

Tickets                           civictheatrenewcastle.com.au or (02) 4929 1977

PRESALES FROM 31 OCTOBER/ GP SALES FROM 2 NOVEMBER

PERTH SEASON DETAILS

Venue                                  His Majesty’s Theatre

Season                                 11 - 19 May

Tickets                           artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au or (08) 6212 9292

PRESALES FROM 31 OCTOBER/ GP SALES FROM 2 NOVEMBER

CANBERRA SEASON DETAILS

Venue                               Canberra Theatre

Season                              7 – 13 June

Tickets                           canberratheatrecentre.com.au or (02) 6275 2700

PRESALES FROM 31 OCTOBER/ GP SALES FROM 2 NOVEMBER