How the 'Rent' live cast compares to the original Broadway production (original) (raw)

Fox will be living 'La Vie Boheme' live on Jan. 27

Published on January 27, 2019 11:00PM EST

Take them or leave them

Joan Marcus

The live television production of Rent had a few hiccups before the big show on Sunday, Jan. 27 — namely, an injury to star Brennin Hunt that forced Fox to air a pre-taped version of the show. But much to the fans' enjoyment, the original cast of the show appeared at the end for a very-much-live rendition of "Seasons of Love." Ahead, check out the Rent: Live cast members compared to the OGs.

Taye Diggs/Mario as Benjamin Coffin III

Joan Marcus; Fox

Once one of the bohemians and now a yuppie intent on collecting rent, Mark and Roger's former roommate is considered the Benedict Arnold of the group (he would probably just say he's a realist).

Daphne Rubin-Vega/Tinashe as Mimi Marquez

Joan Marcus; Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Mimi is an HIV-positive dancer who needs help lighting her candle from her neighbor, Roger. Suffice it to say, sparks fly.

Anthony Rapp/Jordan Fisher as Mark Cohen

Joan Marcus; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

The de-facto narrator of the show, Mark is an aspiring filmmaker trying to make a documentary about his friends' lives.

Jesse L. Martin/Brandon Victor Dixon as Tom Collins

Joan Marcus; Fox

After being fired from MIT, Collins becomes a professor at NYU. He meets and falls in love with Angel upon returning to New York.

Fredi Walker/Kiersey Clemons as Joanne Jefferson

Joan Marcus; FOX

Ivy-league educated and a little uptight, Joanne is a lawyer and also Maureen's girlfriend. Mark is Maureen's ex. There's a little bit of tension.

Idina Menzel/Vanessa Hudgens as Maureen Johnson

Joan Marcus; Benjamin Askinas

Performance artist and perpetual flirt, Maureen is staging an avant-garde performance to protest homeless people being evicted to make way for a condo development.

Adam Pascal/Brennin Hunt as Roger Davis

Joan Marcus; Mike McLean

Still mourning his girflriend who died by suicide after the two of them were diagnosed with AIDS, Roger is a musician contemplating the meaning of life when he meets the mesmerizing Mimi.

Wilson Jermaine Heredia/Valentina as Angel Dumott Schunard

Joan Marcus; Ernesto Casillas

A street drummer, free-sprited and fun-loving Angel inspires the group and keeps them united.