Heinz Winckler was the winner of the first South African Idol in 2002 and the 4th place finalist in the 2003 inaugural World Idol competition, in which he competed against American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson. Anwar Robinson was the 7th place finalist on the 4th season of American Idol.

On stage, Winckler played Tony in the Toronto production of West Side Story. Winckler has recorded three hit albums with Sony BMG, including: One Step Closer, Come Alive (both South African Music Award "SAMA" nominees for "best pop album") and Moment of Truth. His song, "Once in a Lifetime," was a "SAMA" nominee for "best single."He performed the song "Chasing Shadows" for the Walt Disney movie, Treasure Planet. Winckler has received the People Magazine Award for "Hottest Hunk," "South Africa's Hottest Artist" and "Best Male Personality."

Robinson will make his stage debut in this touring production of RENT. American audiences will recall Robinson as the Music Teacher who was rocketed to television stardom on season four of the pop-culture phenomenon American Idol. His vocal range quickly landed him a coveted spot in Idol's Top 10. Robinson has toured the country as part of the Idols Live show. Robinson—a New Jersey native—was born and raised in Newark, and attended Newark Arts High School for one year and attended Montclair High School for the rest of high school. He received his Bachelor of Music from Westminster Choir College of Rider University. He has worked and appeared with a number of music icons, including Clive Davis, Patti Labelle, Kelly Price, Byron Cage, and Pastor Donnie McClurkin. Robinson recently released his debut album, The Truth About Love.

Critics have called RENT "the best thing that has happened to the Broadway musical in a long time," and have said that RENT "justifies every bit of attention that has been lavished on this phenomenal musical." "It shimmers with hope for the future of the American musical," says The New York Times.

RENT is the theatrical experience that transformed how a generation feels about musicals, changed Broadway forever, and inspired a major motion picture. Set in the East Village of New York City, Rent is about being young and learning to survive, falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. RENT has made a lasting mark on Broadway with songs that rock and a story that really resonates.

The show received its world premiere off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on February 13, 1996 to ecstatic reviews. It rapidly became a sold-out hit. The show transferred to Broadway on April 29, 1996 where it continues to play at The Nederlander Theatre. RENT is now the 7th longest running show in Broadway history. -- www.statetheatrenj.org