By Kenneth Jones
08 Oct 2007

Harley Jay

Following the popular summer and early-autumn return of original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp to Broadway's Rent, Declan Bennett and Harley Jay assume the respective roles of Roger and Mark Oct. 8.

Rapp and Pascal boosted box office at the Nederlander Theatre and prompted enthusiastic throngs at the stage door following every performance. They left the hit show Oct. 7.

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Bennett makes his Broadway debut direct from London, England, where he is an independent singer-songwriter, with a dedicated following on the U.K. underground circuit. His second solo album will be released in early 2008. His theatre credits include Rent (2006-07 national U.S. tour) and Boy George's Taboo (West End and U.K. tour).

Harley Jay makes his Broadway debut in Rent after playing Mark in the show's national tour. He has two albums out: a Broadway album called "Between 41st and 54th" and an original album entitled "This Isn't an Audition."

Rent, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, opened at Broadway's Nederlander Theatre on April 29, 1996, following a sold-out, extended limited engagement at Off-Broadway's New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.

Nederlander Theatre is at 208 West 41st Street, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues.

Visit www.siteforrent.com.