The theatrical experience "Rent" at Mann Hall

WINCKLER The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical "Rent," featuring Heinz Winckler as Roger Davis and Anwar Robinson as Tom Collins, will be on stage at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, Thursday, April 10 for one performance only.

Winckler was the winner of the first "South African Idol" in 2002 and the fourth place finalist in the 2003 inaugural World Idol competition, in which he competed against American Idol winner Kelly Clarkson.

Robinson was the seventh place finalist on the fourth season of American Idol.

On stage, Winckler played Tony in the Toronto production of West Side Story. He's also 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," and participated in the Westlife Greatest Hits Tour in South Africa. Winckler has received the People Magazine Award for "Hottest Hunk," "South Africa's Hottest Artist" and "Best Male Personality." He was also featured in Cosmopolitan's

ROBINSON 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 popculture phenomenon American Idol. His vocal range quickly landed him a coveted spot in Idol's Top 10, where Judge Paula Abdul touted him as "technically the best singer of the competition." Robinson has toured the country as part of the "Idols Live" show. The New Jersey native 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 it "justifies every bit of attention that has been lavished on this phenomenal musical."

"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, the musical is about being young and learning to survive, falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. The show premiered off- Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop in 1996 to ecstatic reviews. It rapidly became a sold-out hit. The show transferred to Broadway in April 1996 where it continues to play at The Nederlander Theatre. "Rent" is now the seventh longest running show in Broadway history.

Tickets are $30-$65 and are on sale at the box office, by calling (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.

If you go

>>What: "Rent"

>>When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10

>>Where: Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, on the campus of Edison College, Fort Myers

>>Cost: $30-$65

>>Information: Call (239) 481-4849 or online at www.bbmannpah.com.