Tamyra Gray

Tamyra Gray, the popular first season finalist of “American Idol,” joins the cast of Rent on Tuesday, May 29. Gray, who finished in fourth place on “Idol,” will play the role of Mimi Marquez through November 25.

After “American Idol," Gray quickly landed a recurring role on the hit television series “Boston Public” as well as numerous guest spots on shows such as “What I Like About You” and “All of Us.” Gray made her Broadway debut in the Bollywood-themed musical Bombay Dreams. She penned the songs “I Believe” for “Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino and “You Thought Wrong” for first season champion Kelly Clarkson. Gray appeared in the critically-acclaimed film, The Gospel.

Rent, written by Jonathan Larson and directed by Michael Greif, opened at Broadway’s Nederlander Theatre, on April 29, 1996 following a history making, sold out, extended limited engagement at off-Broadway’s New York Theatre Workshop. The musical went on to win every major best musical award, including the Tony Award, as well as the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Rent is the seventh longest running show in Broadway history.