Alan Souza directs the East Village-set 1990's musical that will run Sept. 10-Nov. 1 at the Northport, Long Island theatre. Karl Christian will choreograph with musical direction by Mike Pettry.

Backes (Jersey Boys) leads the cast as songwriter Roger, with Bahorek (Spelling Bee) as filmmaker Mark and Bowen (Little Shop of Horrors) as dancer Mimi.

The cast of Rent also features Miles Johnson as Benny, Alan Mingo, Jr. as Collins, Betsy Morgan as Maureen, Reymundo Santiago as Angel and Brit West as Joanne. Ensemble members include Kyle Taylor Breeding, Cara Buschi, Tom Hennes, Jonathan Kitt, Peter Kriss, Tara Novie, Nicholas Park, La'Nette Wallace and Brooke Wilson.

Rent will have scenic design by Todd Ivins, costume design by John Davenport, lighting design by Cory Pattak and sound design by Richard Dionne.

Press notes state: "Set in New York City's gritty East Village, this revolutionary rock musical is an imaginative retelling of the classic Puccini opera, La Boheme. This unforgettable story of a group of starving artists, who despite poverty and illness, learn to fall in love and find their voices, brings a universal message of hope for everyone." For tickets phone (631) 261-2900 or visit EngemanTheater. The Engeman Theater is located at 250 Main Street in Northport, Long Island.