After an eight month process in which more than 6,000 people auditioned in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, the Canadian production of Rent began previews Nov. 25, opens Dec. 7, and runs through Jan. 31, 1998, at The Royal Alexandra Theatre.

Ranging in age from 19 to 27 and in keeping with the show's original concept of using unknown performers, this will be the stage debut for many in the company.

Newfoundland actor Chad Richardson is Mark, the show's narrator. A veteran of the first open call in Toronto, Chad is one of several untried Canadian faces to grace the cast. Montreal's Danny Blanco is Collins, Montreal's Jennifer Aubrey is Maureen and Scarborough's (a suburb of Toronto) Karen Leblanc takes on Joanne.

The 13-member ensemble is Canadian with one exception; David St. Louis hails from Washington, D.C.

Non-Canadian leads include New Yorkers Luther Creek and Jai Rodriquez, L.A's Damian Perkins and London, England's Krysten Cummings. For tickets or information: : 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333. -- By Mira Friedlander
Canadian Correspondent