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FOX via Getty Images; Sony Pictures

The New ‘Rent: Live’ Cast Is Ready to Live ‘La Vie Boheme’ With Vanessa Hudgens and Tinashe

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Jan 26, 2019 10:00 am·

By Chelsea Duff

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Pretty much everyone who’s into musicals has a big place in their hearts for Rent. It’s Broadway’s 11th longest-running show, after all, and introduced the mainstream to some of Broadway’s biggest stars. In 2005, it even got its own movie adaptation, which we still rewatch to this day — and now, it’s getting another reboot. On Sunday, January 27, we’ll be tuning in to Rent: Live, the latest musical to be adapted for a live TV performance. And is there anything better than Broadway you can watch from your couch in your PJs? The latest production is also starring plenty of big names in the worlds of music, movies, and theater. Check out the gallery to meet the new Rent cast and how they compare to their 2005 counterparts.

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The Rent Live Cast Is Full of Stars Like Vanessa Hudgens and Tinashe

Jordan Fisher stars as Mark Cohen.

And we know he’s going to kill it. Jordan pretty much stole the show as Doody in Grease: Live, and he’s definitely got the musical chops. We’ve heard him sing on his own 2016 EP, and he recorded a duet with Lin-Manuel Miranda for the Moana soundtrack. He also won season 25 of Dancing with the Stars, so you know he can handle any complicated choreography thrown his way.

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Vanessa Hudgens is inheriting Idina Menzel’s role as Maureen Johnson.

We can’t wait to see her chemistry with Jordan as they play complicated exes. The two were costars in Grease: Live where Vanessa played tough gal Rizzo, and we’re ready for them to join forces again. We also just love seeing Vanessa in musicals — after all, it was the High School Musical franchise that rocketed her to fame in the first place. And bonus, this isn’t the first time she’s tackled Rent. In 2010, she performed the musical at the Hollywood Bowl in the role of Mimi.

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Kiersey Clemons is ready to become Joanne Jefferson.

Like her on-screen girlfriend, Kiersey Clemons went from Disney Channel starlette to blockbuster babe. For her TV creds, she’s acted in shows like Transparent and Eye Candy, and she’s cracked you up in movies like Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising. She also filmed scenes for Justice League, though they didn’t make it to the final cut, and she’ll be one of the human stars in Disney’s live action remake of Lady and the Tramp.

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Tinashe is stepping into Rosario Dawson’s shoes as Mimi Marquez.

Think Vanessa gave her some tips? Of course, Tinashe doesn’t need the help. In 2015, she was named one of YouTube’s 50 artists to watch and nominated for Best New Artist at the BET Awards. She’s shown off her acting talents in a few episode of Empire and flaunted her dance skills on season 27 of Dancing with the Stars.

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Brennin Hunt is taking on the role of Roger Davis.

You likely haven’t heard of him — yet — but if you have, it’s probably from his stint on The X Factor. He competed as a singer and went on to snag a role as a guest star on the hit TV show Nashville, but this is his biggest gig yet.

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Valentina is going to kill it as Angel Dumott Schunard.

The drag queen was a fan favorite on season 9 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and was even invited back for season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars. We know she can lip sync for her life, but can she actually sing? Feel free to judge for yourself. She released her first single, “A Prueba de Todo,” in December 2018.

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Brandon Victor Dixon brings his expertise to Tom Collins.

The only Broadway star in the cast, Brandon has wowed audiences and scored Tony noms for his roles in The Color Purple and Shuffle Along. He even snagged a win for Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Plus, if you’re a fan of TV’s live musical, you likely recognize him from Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, for which he was nominated for an Emmy. You’ve also seen his skills in TV’s Power, and we already know he’s going to be one of the highlights of Rent. Plus, this isn’t his first time in the role. He’s played Tom before in an off-Broadway production.

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Mario is tackling the role of Benjamin Coffin III.

With five studio albums under his belt and hit songs like “Let Me Love You,” Mario is a musical force. Over the years, he’s been nominated for two Grammy Awards and three Teen Choice Awards, and he’s even won two Billboard Music Awards. He’s also had lead roles in movies like Step Up and Freedom Writers, so you know he can act. Recently, he’s returned to the screen on Empire, and we’re so happy to have him back.