Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Jonathan Larson’s multiple Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning sensation, RENT, will be coming to the Sydney Opera House Drama Theatre from 27 December 2020 to 31 January 2021.
Tim Omaji, popularly known as Timomatic, and Robert Tripolino join previously announced cast Callum Francis (Kinky Boots) and Seann Miley Moore (UK X Factor) in the brand new Australian production.
Tim Omaji, who will play the charming Benny, rose to fame as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Australia and Australia’s Got Talent. As Timomatic he’s a four-time platinum recording artist signed to Sony Music. He will be appearing in the Netflix/NBC Universal television series Clickbait and the feature film Ruby’s Choice, alongside Jane Seymour.
Robert Tripolino has an extensive career on the stage and screen including playing Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Barbican Centre, Aladdin (Live Performance Recording for The Walt Disney Company), Holding The Man and Upper Middle Bogan. He will play struggling musician, Roger.
Other principal cast members set to star in the legendary rock musical include Mia Morrissey (In Your Dreams and Home and Away) in the role of exotic dancer Mimi, and Helpmann Award-winning Mat Verevis (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) will play the narrator, Mark.
The confident performance artist Maureen will be played by Monique Salle (A Chorus Line, MAMMA MIA! the Musical and the 50th anniversary tour of HAIR the Musical) and Elenoa Rokobaro (High School Musical on Stage, Fame and Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby) will play Ivy league educated lawyer, Joanne.
The ensemble cast includes Henry Brett, Jarrod Draper, Kieran McGrath, Marissa Saroca, Angelina Thomson and Stacey Thomsett.
“Casting RENT was a hugely joyful adventure. This incredible bunch of artists are bringing to life New York’s downtrodden with all the fire and punch necessary to perform this epic rock musical.,” said RENT co-producers, Lauren Peters (LPD Productions) and Gus Murray (Sugary Rum Productions). “People won’t realise how much they have missed the theatre until they fall in love with this cast.”
RENT is directed by the award-winning Shaun Rennie (RENT (Hayes Theatre Co), The Rise & Fall of Little Voice, Baby Doll, Only Heaven Knows) with musical direction by Andrew Worboys and choreography by Luca Dinardo. Presented by the Sydney Opera House in association with LPD Productions and Sugary Rum Productions. Book, Music and Lyrics by Jonathan Larson.
RENT
Drama Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
Season: 27 December 2020 – 31 January 2021
Information and Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
Image: The Cast of RENT – photo by Daniel Boud