In between the first and second runs the show was recasted and the script went through many changes but finally ended up with basically what Rent is today (with a few changes made during previews).
The second schedule was set to be:
January 25 – March 3, 1996

This changed when Jonathan Larson died on January 25, 1996 and instead of performing the first preview that night the cast performed a sing-through for Jonathan Larson’s family and friends.

The official opening night at NYTW was February 13th which is when major press coverage over Jonathan’s death began. On February 23rd it was announced that Rent was moving uptown. Rent moved into the Nederlander Theatre on Broadway where it opened on April 29th.

Today 4U a Benefit for NYTW
March 3, 1997

Welcomes Stephen Graham and Jim Nicola Johnny Can't Decide Anthony Rapp tick, tick...Boom! Therapy Ben Stiller tick, tick...Boom! See Her Smile Fredi Walker Boho Days No More Wilson Jermaine Heredia and Mark Setlock Eden Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Norbert Leo Butz, Mark Setlock, Darius De Haas, Shayna Steele, and Shelly Dickinson Sacred Cows Destinaton Sky Byron Utley Away We Go Ever After Marin Mazzie and Scott Burkell Superbia Come To Your Senses Marin Mazzie Superbia Over It Gilles Chiasson and Shelley Dickinson Studio Production of Rent Open Road Jesse L. Martin Studio Production of Rent Pura Vida Fredi Walker, Shelly Dickinson, Aiko Nakasone, and Shayna Steele You Call My Name Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel Out Of My Dreams Daphne Rubin-Vega, Darius De Haas, and Shayna Steele All For Now Richie Havens Louder Than Words Anthony Rapp and Jesse L. Martin tick, tick...Boom! I Won't Close My Eyes Sarah Jessica Parker Superbia Without You Mary Chapin Carpenter Rent Love Heals Gwen Stewart and the Original Broadway Cast of RENT Ali Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education Why? Gilles Chiasson tick, tick...Boom! Goodbyes Anthony Rapp Love Heals (Reprise)