Photo Coverage: The Cast of RENT Rings The NYSE Opening Bell

RENT producer Allan S. Gordon and producer Elan V. McAllister rang The Opening Bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Thursday, August 14th, 2008 joined by RENT cast members Renee Elise Goldsberry, Andrea Goss, Justin Johnston, Owen Johnston, Tracy McDowell, Destan Owens, Gwen Stewart to celebrate RENT's successful 12-year run at the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway and its final performance on September 7th, 2008.

RENT opened off-Broadway in January 1996 before moving to Broadway's Nederlander Theatre in April of the same year.  The musical tells a story of a group of destitute artists and musicians struggling to survive and be heard in New York's Lower East Side.  RENT was one of the first Broadway musicals to feature an ethnically diverse cast, including homosexual and bisexual characters.  The closing night of RENT is expected to be one of the biggest theatrical events of the year.

The cast of Rent includes Tracie Thoms who starred as Joanne in the movie of Rent and has come to the Broadway company in the same role as well as Will Chase as Roger, Renee Elise Goldsberry as Mimi, Eden Espinosa as Maureen, Destan Owens as Collins, Adam Kantor as Mark, Justin Johnston as Angel, Rodney Hicks as Benny with Shaun Earl, Andrea Goss, Marcus Paul James, Telly Leung, Tracy McDowell, Jay Wilkison, and Gwen Stewart ("Seasons of Love" soloist).  Rodney Hicks and Gwen Stewart were both in the original company of Rent and have rejoined the cast to close the show.  

Rent, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, opened at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre, on April 29, 1996 following a history making, sold out, extended limited engagement at off-Broadway's New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama.  Rent is the seventh longest running show in Broadway history.  Rent is scheduled to close on Sunday, September 7th 2008.

Rent plays at the Nederlander Theatre (208 West 41 Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm & 8pm, and Sunday at 2pm & 7pm.  Tickets may be purchased by phoning TicketMaster at (212) 307-4100 or by visiting ticketmaster.com.  A limited number of $20 tickets are available day of performance at the box office.

Photos by RD/Leon/Retna Digital

Owen Johnston, Destan Owens, Justin Johnston, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Tracy McDowell, Andrea Goss and Gwen Stewart

Owen Johnston, Destan Owens, Justin Johnston, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Tracy McDowell, Andrea Goss and Gwen Stewart

Renee Elise Goldsberry and Gwen Stewart

New York Stock Exchange Rep, Owen Johnston, Destan Owens, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Justin Johnston,Tracy McDowell, Andrea Goss, Gwen Stewart, Producers Elan V. McAllister and Allan S. Gordon

New York Stock Exchange Rep, Owen Johnston, Destan Owens, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Justin Johnston,Tracy McDowell, Andrea Goss, Gwen Stewart, Producers Elan V. McAllister and Allan S. Gordon

New York Stock Exchange Rep, Owen Johnston, Destan Owens, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Justin Johnston,Tracy McDowell, Andrea Goss, Gwen Stewart, Producers Elan V. McAllister and Allan S. Gordon

The Producers and Cast of Rent rings the Opening Bell

Rent opens the NYSE!