Ticket and Theatre information
Last Updated 8.14.99
Ticket and Theatre information
Last Updated 8.14.99
Yassmin Alers (Swing/Understudy) Broadway - Paul Simon's The Capeman, Rent, original company dance-captain. European premiere of The Who's Tommy. Off-Broadway- Bring in the Morning and Blocks by Jonathan Larson. Numerous Industrials. "God is good." (currently with the Benny tour as Mimi)
Krysten Cummings (Mimi) Krysten was born and raised in America but has made her home in London. She originated the role of Mimi in the original Canadian cast of Rent (Royal Alexander Theatre, Toronto) to great acclaim and was nominated for the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best Actress in a Musical. For her role as Mimi in the London production, Krysten has been nominated for the 1999 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical. In America she has appeared in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; Into the Woods; West Side Story; Ain't Misbehavin'; Little Shop of Horrors and A Chorus Line. In Europe she toured as one of the leads in Golden Musicals of Broadway. Since arriving in England, Krysten was most recently seen in the leading role of Marta in Company (Library Theatre, Manchester; M.E.N. Award nomination Best Supporting Actress in a Musical) and as Tina in the world premiere of Sam Mendes' The Fix (Donmar Warehouse), the original cast of Jesus Christ Superstar (Lyceum Theatre), and Andi in Voyeurz (Whitehall Theatre). Other work includes appearing as Billie Holiday in Mama I Want to Sing (Cambridge and Gielgud Theatres). Prior to this she was seen in the national tour of A Tribute to the Blues Brothers for which she was also the choreographer. She also appeared at the Edinburgh Festival in Richard O'Brien's Mephistopholes Smith. Krysten has performed her solo cabaret act at Don't Tell Mama's in New York. Last year Krysten had the honour of performing concerts with the legendary Larry Adler which were broadcast on BBC Radio. Krysten appears on the original London cast recordings of The Fix (First Night Records), Voyeurz (Dress Circle Records), and Mama I Want to Sing (EMI Records) and is currently working on material for her own debut solo album.
Shelley Dickinson (Ensemble) National tour: And the World Goes ėRound. Off-Broadway: Merrily We Roll Along (York Theatre Company); Rent studio production (New York Theatre Workshop) Numerous regional productions. Shelley has performed in concerts and benefits at the Russian Tea Room and Carnegie Hall.
Calvin Grant (Understudy), straight from the national tour of Miss Saigon, is thrilled to make his Broadway debut in Rent. Calvin is thankful for all that has been given and for all that is to come. My song to the memory of my father. All my love and respect to my dear mother.
Owen Johnston II (Ensemble) is proud to be a part of this very special show. National tours: The King and I, Miss Saigon, 42nd Street. Broadway: Shogun the Musical. Owen would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support, and his wife Bridget who is truly a gift from God.
Wilson Jermaine Heredia (Angel) made his Broadway debut in Rent for which he received the 1996 Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Featured Actor in a Musical and an Obie Award. Raised in Brooklyn, he previously starred in Elizabeth Swados' The New Americans for which he composed the song "No Es Asi." He also appeared in Popol Vuh at Lincoln Center, Intar, and on tour, and The Tower (Danny Kaye Theatre). Wilson has danced in (and was choreographer for) several music videos including "Joli" and "Josue de Jesus." Recently Wilson re-created this role in the original London production of Rent where he garnered an Olivier nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, starred opposite Robert DeNiro in the soon-to-be released feature film "Flawless" and appeared in the musical Quark Victory for the Williamstown Theatre Festival. He dedicates his performances to Jonathan Larson and the new era in theatre. Thank you, Kate.
Michael McElroy (Tom Collins). Broadway: The Who's Tommy, Miss Saigon, High Rollers, Patti LuPone on Broadway. National tour: Sarafina. Off-Broadway: Violet (Playwrights Horizons, Drama Desk nomination); Richard III (New York Shakespeare Festival); Disappearing Acts. Regional: Angels in America (Alley Theatre); Fences (Riverside Theatre); Dreamgirls (Pittsburgh Playhouse). Featured singer on The Rosie O'Donnell Show theme song and commercials. Graduate of Carnegie Mellon with B.F.A. in drama. Thanks to Mom Sean, HWA, friends, and family for love and support.
Karen Olivo (Understudy) is proud to make her Broadway debut in RENT. Previous to this she finished her third year as a Musical Theatre major at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. She would like to thank Bubba for his confidence, Mom and Dad for their support, and Scott for his love.
Darryl Ordell (Ensemble) is thrilled to make his Broadway debut. His credits include Colored Peoples Time with the Negro Ensemble Co., God's Heart (reading at Lincoln Center), and Much Ado About Nothing to name a few. Darryl wishes to thank the creator, his mom, as well as Gloria at Trawick Artists. He dedicates this show to his grandma. Vivelo!
Tina Ou (Ensemble) began her career with the San Francisco Ballet before embarking into theatre. Recently completed the pre-Broadway workshop of Footloose. Broadway credits: Once Upon a Mattress, The King and I and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Assistant choreography credits: Gershwin's Fascinating Rhythm, The House of Martin Guerre, Let's Do It and Dreamland. Special thank you to David and A.C. For your constant love, support and inspiration!
Tamara Podemski (Maureen) Tamara Ceshia Podemski is living out her wildest dreams with her musical theatre debut in Rent. From Ojibway/Israeli parents, Tamara was born and raised in Toronto and graduated from the Claude Watson School for the Arts, where she majored in dance for ten years. Her theatre credits include The Baby Blues for Native Earth Performing Arts and Aboriginal Dance Project for The Banff Centre;television includes CBC's The Rez, Global's Ready Or Not and the German series Blue Hawk; film includes Bruce MacDonald's Dance Me Outside and the Canadian Film Centre's Triggered. Tamara sends her love and thanks to the greatest support team of family and friends in the world. Thank you, Jonathan Larson.
Manley Pope (Roger) is proud to make his Broadway debut in Rent. Manley recently finished a national tour with Roger Daltry of The Who in a tribute to the great British Rock Musicians. He has appeared onstage as John in Summer and Smoke at the Chelsea Rep, Brandon in Twist of Fate at Los Angeles' Tiffany Theatre as Roger in the first national tour of Rent. His film and television credits include "Sweet Valley High", "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman", "Guiding Light" and Exorcist III.
Jim Poulos (Mark) is thrilled to be making his Broadway debut in Rent. He has worked in many regional theatres on the west coast, as well as at the Ge Va Theatre in Rochester, NY. Favorite roles include Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, Jack in Into The Woods and Al Joad in The Grapes of Wrath. Jim is thankful for his loving fiance, Lis.
Kenna Ramsey (Joanne) is thrilled to make her Broadway debut after performing this role in the first LA production of Rent. Her credits include the roles of the Acid Queen in the first national tour of The Who's Tommy and Leila in the world premiere of I Was Looking at the Ceiling and Saw the Sky directed by Peter Sellars. Kenna gives special thanks to her parents, Charles and Joyce Ramsey, Maurice Kelly, Danielle Allman and all at David Shapira and Associates for their tremendous help and support.
Chad Richardson (Ensemble) makes his Broadway debut after playing "Mark" in the Canadian company of Rent. A screech-slinging Newfoundlander, he has been on the Canadian music scene for the last five years. His latest release is called The Legends of Brud (Aquarius/EMI). This is the first time Chad has used his musical talents in this way and he is thrilled to the gills to be part of Rent. He would like to thank and honor his terribly supportive family, friends and Sin. He's making sure every show rocks!
Jai Rodriguez (understudy) returns home to make his Broadway debut in Rent after originating the role of "Angel" in its Canadian cast. At 19 he has been featured in several theatrical and dance productions. Jai dedicates his performance to the memory of his aunt Joanne and cousin Rico who died of AIDS. Thanks to God and the Canadian cast for spreading the love. Bop be da!
Curt Skinner (Understudy) happily makes his Broadway debut after appearing in the La Jolla, Los Angeles, first and second national touring companies of Rent. Off-Broadway: Babes in Toyland. Disney Channel specials and children's CDs. Numerous voice-overs in animation and commercials. Traveled the world performing his own act on cruise ships. Training: Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Curt is the proud uncle of Hayden and Corrine.
Jacques C. Smith (Benny) is overjoyed to make his B'way debut in Rent. Originally from Chicago, he has worked in commercials and industrials. He has toured the country and internationally with various theater and singing groups. Recent credits include The School for Wives, Titus Andronicus, Don Juan, The Seagull, Gospel at Colonus and Fences. He is a graduate of Princeton University. Thanks to God for my talent, my family for their support and Jonathan and Michael for this opportunity.
Shayna Steele (Understudy) is more than thrilled to be making her Broadwayway debut in Rent. Regional credits include: The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, Big River, Chicago and Annie. Shayna wishes to thank her Mom, Dad, Suzelles Enterprises, family and friends for all their love and support.
Carly Thomas (Ensemble) a graduate from Sarah Lawrence College, is proud to be making her Broadway debut in Rent. Since relocating from Minnesota, she's established herself as a singer in New York - performing at venues including Birdland and The Rainbow Room. Theatre credits include Godspell, Little Shop of Horrors and Annie. "This performance is dedicated to my mother who's love and support eternally guide me. To Jon - I love you!"
Byron Utley (Ensemble). Broadway: Death and the King's Horseman (Olunde), Bob Fosse's Big Deal (Charley). Regional: Uncle Tom in I Ain't Yo Uncle (Hartford Stage), Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Williamstown Theatre Festival), Herald Loomis in Joe Turner's Come and Gone (Studio Arena), the lead in Othello (Shakespeare in Delaware Park). Off-Broadway: Rent (NYTW, Obie Award). Film and television: Night and the City, "Law & Order," "Ghostwriter," "The Dudley Moore Show." Featured vocalist with Hannibal Peterson at the 1995 Theatre Festival in Venice and Milan. Mr. Utley also participates in the Colgate Palmolive Partnership Mentor Program.
Tony Vincent (Ensemble) An Albuquerque, N.M. native, Vincent has performed on stage as an actor, songwriter and recording artist. After starting a record company out of his college dorm room, he was picked up by EMI Records in 1994. He has had #1 radio hits and is a spokesperson for United Way of America as they adopt the title song off his last record, One Deed.