: D'Monroe (Benny) This Hampton graduate was recently nominated for a Helen Hayes Award in Washington D.C., for Best Lead Actor in a resident Musical. he was a member of the first national company of RENT, and the voice for several shows on the discovery and Learning channels. Though he has performed for film, television and stage, his music remains his first love. "keep your knees bent, head to the sky and always be true to yourself."
: Sharon Brown ( Ensemble ) Film: Sister Act 2, I'll Do Anything, For keeps, Missing Pieces, A Chorus Line. TV: "Fresh Prince", "The Crew", "Cop Rock", "Generations". Broadway: Dreamgirls, Joseph....Dreamcoat. Tours: The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, One City, The Wiz. The native New York rocker is currently producing her self-titled rock CD.
: Christian Mena ( Roger ) Christian is thrilled to make his musical theatre debut in RENT. Born in Chile and raised in Canada, Christian currently fronts Latin pop band "maracujah!" He is well known nationally for his soulful vocals and his dynamic range, while singing fluently in English, Spanish, and Portugese. Christian is also the principle songwriter of his band's current critically acclaimed CD, "Maracujah!" He recently played the lead role in the hit sub-culture short film "Aftershock."
: Kevyn Brackett ( Ensemble ) 1994 NAACP image award winner for his role in "Five Guys Named Moe"( LA Company) National companies: The Tap Dance Kid, Dreamgirls, Sophisticated Lady, My one and Only. Guest-stared on televisions "Full House" and sang back-up for Barry Manilow and Marilyn McCoo.
: Jasmine M. Baird (Swing/Understudy) from Mississauga, Canada. Graduate Cawthra Park Performing Arts School; studied opera, University of Western Ontario; "Ella" in Larry Hart's "Sisterella (European Tour); released a single on BMG's "Beat Club" CD; lead vocals-Rupert Gayle's "The Time is Right;" backround vocals Michelle Gayle; Canadian Honour Arts awards; scholarship to Berklee College of Music.
: Kenna Ramsey ( Joanne ) is thrilled to be part of the second national tour of RENT. her credits include the roles of the Acid Queen in the first national touring company of "The Who's Tommy" and Leila in the world premiere of "I Was looking at the Ceiling and Saw the Sky" directed by Peter Sellars. Kenna gives special thanks to her parents, Charles and Joyce Ramsey; Maurice kelly, David Giella and all at GML Agency for their tremendous help and support."
: Owen Johnston 2 ( swing/Understudy ) Is proud to be a part of this very special show. Broadway: "Shogun: the musical" National tours: "The King and I", "Miss Siagon", "42nd Street". Owen would like to thank his family and friends for their love and support, and his wife, Bridget, who is truely a gift from God.
: Curt Skinner ( Ensemble ) Credits: Disney Channel specials, children's CD's and the CD-Rom "The Sailor Dog". Off Broadway: "Babes in Toyland." Numerous voiceovers in animation and commercials. Traveled the world performing his own act on cruise ships. Training: Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Curt has a really nice mom and dad in South Carolina.
: Leigh Hetherington ( Maureen ) A native of Edmond, OK, Leigh spent three years at the University of Southern California before joining the sensational cast of RENT. Some of her proffessional credits include: "Bye Bye Birdie", "A Chorus Line", "The Sound of Music", and the title role of "Annie" and "Oliver". Leigh would like to thank her loving parents Steve and Nancy, Richard Darby, Christy Carson, Rich Krevolin, Wareen Skeels, Lora Zane and is also thankful for the life and talent of Jonathan Larson.
: Anika Larsen ( Ensemble ) has played off off Broadway characters ranging from a singing homecoming queen thrown down a well to Hortensio in a gender reversed "Taming of the Shrew" She majored in theatre at Yale, where she sang in an R & B a cappella group. Anika would like to dedicate this performance to her amazing Mom and Pops.
: Mark Leroy Jackson ( Tom Collins ) makes his theatrical debut in RENT, appearing in the Broadway, first national tour, and West Coast productions. Prior to RENT, Mark worked as a studio singer in New York. he would like to thank his family and friends for all of their love and support and dedicates this performance to his mentor, Duane Davis. Also, many thanks to Bernie, Michael, Allen, Kevin and Jeffrey. "I am proud to be a part of this wonderful experience."
: Sala Iwamatsu ( Ensemble ) Broadway: original cast "Miss Siagon". Other credits: second national tour "Miss Siagon", Randy Newman's "Faust"(Goodman Theatre), "Ballod of Yachiyo"(Berkley Rep., South Coast Rep.), "Sayonara" (TUTS, Alex Theatre). Sala sends her love and apprectiation to her family ( Mako, Shizuko Hoshi and Mimosa) and her husband, Craig.
: Andy Senor (Ensemble/Angel ) A native of Miami, is thrilled to be making his proffesional debut in RENT. He recently completed his undergraduate training in theatre at Florida International University. He would like to thank God, his family, friends (Moo) and mentors for their continued love and support.
: Laura Dias ( swing/understudy ) is overjoyed to be a part of RENT. Shows: "Jesus Christ Superstar", "West Side Story", "Grease", A Chorus Line", and "The Legend." Laura thanks God, her family, T, F, and her sisters for unconditional love; Micheal, Tim, Bernie, Jeffery, kevin, and Allan for the opportunity and Jimmy Tavares for just knowing.
: Carla Bianco ( Ensemble/Maureen) is an ASCAP award winning artist who wrote the #1 Billboard song "The Lover That You Are." While attaining her honors degree from N.Y.U's Tisch School of the Arts, Carla wrote and sang for Jellybean Benitez's music company. She sends love and thanks to her friends and family.
: Monique Daniels ( swing/understudy) was raised and educated in Los Angeles area. She has done photographic and runway modeling, including work in Europe. she has appeared in TV shows and numerous commercials. her singing expeience includes solo work and she is presently a member of a performing band.
: Ron Christopher Patric (swing/understudy) L.A. audiences have seen Ron in "Fiddler on the Roof", "Pirates of Penzance" and recently in a new musical bound for broadway, John stothers' "Pilgrim", in the lead role, Tinker. Ron dedicates his performance to his two biggest fans, Momma and Poppa.
: Neil Patrick Harris ( Mark) is grateful and thrilled to be involved in RENT. Neil earned a Golden Globe nomination at age 14 for his first film, "Clara's Heart", and a second nomination and a People's Choice Award for his starring role in "Doogie Howser M.D." Theatre credits include "The End of the Day"(Coast Playhouse)," A Fair Country" (Seattle Rep.), "Luck, Pluck,and Virtue" (La Jolla Playhouse, Atlantic Theatre). Films: "Starship Troopers" (Nov. '97) and "The Proposition" (March '98).
: Hallie Bulleit ( swing/understudy) studied theatre at Kenyon College and the British American Drama Academy. Prior to RENT, she appeared in various bars, clubs and resteraunts in Lower Manhatten in the roles of Bartender and Waitress. Hallie sends special thanks to Heidi Marshall, Bernie Telsey, her friends, her brother and her mom.
: Brent Davin Vance ( Ensemble) Motorcity Kid happy to be "renting" California style. National tours: " Smokey Joe's Cafe", "Grand Hotel". Shows: "Dreamgirls", "A Chorus Line", "Jubilee" and others. Soloist for '88 Papel visit. For Desi, Chuck, Marc, Brian, The Haywoods, Susan, Lex, Noney. "Love to Mom, Dad and God. Smooches!"
: Julia Santana ( Mimi) career as an actress/singer began with the musical theatre company First Act. She appeared as the girl in "The Girl With the Incredible Feeling" by Elizabeth Swados continuing her career with Off Center Theatre as a street performer. She signed with Atlantic Records headlining such major clubs as The Palladium and Roseland. She is working on new music with her band, The Cribb. She is grateful to her manager, Susan Rybin, and family and friends.
: Wilson Cruz ( Angel) best known for his portrayal of the troubled, introspective, teenager Ricky in the critically acclaimed ABC series "My So Called Life." Wilson starred along side David Arquette and Lucas Haas in First Looks "Johns" which was screened at the 1996 Sundance Film Festival. Wilson's latest film "All Over Me" made it's debut at this years Sundance festival. It was released domestically by Fine Line Features in April. Wilson dedicates this performance to Sheila Robinson- his own special Angel.
: Paul Oakley Stovall ( swing/understudy) Credits: "Blades to the Heat" ( Apple Tree), "Journey to the West" ( Goldman, Huntington, Berkley Rep. ), "Black Star Line" ( Goodman), "A Perfect Ganesh" ( Northlight), "Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci" ( Goodman, Lincoln Center), "The Good Person of Setzuan" ( Goodman). Paul recently completed his debut album with Grammy-winning producer Steve Rodby. For Roger Gobble.
Tell me all about it............
(Johanna) Dannado@aol.com
