Pascal Returns to Cast of Touring Rent Production Feb. 26

By Andrew Gans
and Kenneth Jones
26 Feb 2009

Adam Pascal
Adam Pascal

Adam Pascal, who originated the role of Roger in the Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning production of Rent, returns to that role Feb. 26 in the national touring company of the Jonathan Larson musical.

As previously reported, Pascal had herniated a disc and was unable to perform in the Detroit engagement of the Rent tour. Cary Shields played the role of Roger during the Detroit run, which concluded Feb. 22 at the Detroit Opera House.

Pascal, according to a show spokesperson, will resume performances Feb. 26 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Rent will play the Pantages through March 8 before heading on to the San Diego Civic Center.

Rent, The Broadway Tour, also features Anthony Rapp (Mark) and Gwen Stewart (the "Seasons of Love" soloist) reprising the roles they originated on Broadway. Joining them are Nicolette Hart (Maureen Johnson), Justin Johnston (Angel Schunard), Lexi Lawson (Mimi Marquez), Michael McElroy (Tom Collins), Jacques C. Smith (Benjamin Coffin III), Haneefah Wood (Joanne Jefferson), with Karmine Alers, Toby Blackwell, Adam Halpin, Trisha Jeffrey, Telly Leung, Caren Lyn Manuel, Jed Resnick, Andy Senor, Yuka Takara and John Watson.

Justin Johnston (Angel), Michael McElroy (Collins), and Stewart were all members of the final company of Rent, which played its last performance on Broadway Sept. 7, 2008.

Rent, with book, music and lyrics by the late Jonathan Larson, is directed by Michael Greif, who received 1996 Tony and Drama Desk nominations as well as the Obie Award for Rent, and choreographed by Marlies Yearby, who received a Tony Award nomination for her work on the musical. Tim Weil, the show's original music supervisor and conductor, serves as music supervisor.

The rock musical charts the lives of a group of friends and lovers struggling with art, commerce, love and death in the age of AIDS.

For more information visit www.siteforrent.com.