'Rent' Tour Visits Chicago Feb.12-17

Broadway in Chicago presents the national touring production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning Rent, featuring Heinz Winckler as Roger Davis and Anwar Robinson as Tom Collins, for a limited one-week engagement at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.) from February 12 - 17, 2008.

Heinz Winckler was the winner of the first "South African Idol" in 2002 and the 4th place finalist in the 2003 inaugural "World Idol" competition.  On stage, Winckler played Tony in the Toronto production of West Side Story.  He has also recorded three hit albums with Sony BMG, including: "One Step Closer," "Come Alive" (both South African Music Award "SAMA" nominees for "best pop album") and "Moment of Truth."  His song, "Once in a Lifetime," was a "SAMA" nominee for "best single."

This production of Rent marks Anwar Robinson's stage debut. American audiences will recall Robinson as the music teacher who was rocketed to television stardom on season four of the pop-culture phenomenon "American Idol." Robinson has toured the country as part of the Idols Live show. The New Jersey native has worked and appeared with a number of music icons, including Clive Davis, Patti LaBelle, Kelly Price, Byron Cage and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. Robinson recently released his debut album, "The Truth About Love."

Written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, "Rent is more than a show, it's a phenomenon.  This smash-hit theatrical experience transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture.  Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about being young and learning to survive, falling in love, finding your voice and living for today.  Rent has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that truly resonates," explain press notes.

Rent is now the 7th longest running show in Broadway history, currently playing the Nederlander Theatre. Rent features musical direction by Tim Weil, choreography by Marlies Yearby, set design by Paul Clay, costume design by Angela Wendt and lighting design by Blake Burba.

The Chicago engagement of Rent performance schedule is as follows: Tuesday at 8 p.m.; Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.; Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 2 & 8 p.m.; Sunday at 2 & 7:30 p.m.

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