Michael McElroy

Big-name Rent alums Justin Johnston, Michael McElroy, Nicolette Hart and Gwen Stewart will join previously announced original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp and newcomer Lexi Lawson on the forthcoming national tour of the groundbreaking musical, which shuttered after over 5000 performances at the Nederlander Theater on September 7, 2008. The tour kicks off at Playhouse Square in Cleveland on January 6, 2009.

Johnston returns as Angel, McElroy as Tom Collins, Lawson as Mimi and Hart as Maureen. Stewart, best known as the big-voiced “Seasons of Love” soloist, reprises her role alongside former castmates Pascal and Rapp, who originated the roles of Roger and Mark. Additional casting has yet to be announced.

Tours of Rent have crisscrossed the North American almost continuously since late 1996, grossing more than $330 million. The new tour will play the tri-state area at Pennsylvania’s Philadelphia Academy of Music February 3-8, 2009, and New Jersey’s Performing Arts Center February 10-15, 2009.