Chase appeared on Broadway earlier this season in Lennon. He was previously part of the Rent company; he joined the ensemble in 1998. During his tenure at Rent, Chase understudied the role of Roger and went on numerous times. His other Broadway credits include Miss Saigon, The Full Monty and Aida. His regional theater credits include Trask & Fenn, Son of Fire, Assassins, Electra and Mame. Chase also notably starred in the world premiere of the musical adaptation of A Little Princess.

Howar, the husband of Ruthie Henshall, is best known for starring in the West End musicals Peggy Sue Got Married and Tonight's The Night. A native Canadian, he appeared in his homeland in major productions of Tommy, Les Miserables, Hello Dolly, Miss Saigon, The House of Martin Guerre and Anne Of Green Gables. Rent will mark his Broadway debut.

Rent's current Roger, Joshua Kobak, is leaving the company to appear in the upcoming Tarzan. The tuner also currently stars Matt Caplan, Antonique Smith, Justin Johnston, Destan Owens, Ava Gaudet, Kenna Ramsey, D'Monroe and Frenchie Davis.