The cast of FOX’s live musical, Rent, has been revealed. R&B stars Tinashe and Mario have been announced as stars in the live adaptation of the Jonathan Larson rock opera.
Tinashe will star as Mimi Marquez, a dancer who struggles under the weight of her addiction problems. But like her actual self, Mimi has a passion for her craft that won’t be satiated until her dreams come to fruition. Mario, who currently stars on Fox’s Empire, will play Benjamin Coffin III, Mimi’s ex-boyfriend and a former tenant-turned landlord, who is after his past roommates rent.
Rent, a rock-tinged musical that debuted on Broadway in 1996, tells the story of a collective group of individuals struggling to navigate in New York’s East Village in the days of the Bohemian Alphabet City. During this particular period, HIV was rampant and was thus used as a backdrop for some of these character’s journeys.
According to Fox, acclaimed film, television, and theater producer, Marc Platt, along with the estate of writer/composer Jonathan Larson, will executive-produce the live musical. Michael Greif, who directed the original New York Theatre Workshop and Broadway versions of Rent will oversee the stage direction, while Alex Rudzinksi (Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, Dancing with the Stars) will serve as the live television director.
In non-Rent rated news, Tinashe had a month stint on DWTS. She is anxiously awaiting to strike with her next music move. Mario released his long-awaited album, Dancing Shadows, earlier this month.
Rent is slated to air on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 10/9c on Fox.
