Lead Actor Takes Reprieve From RENT

In a Broadway season plagued by lackluster sales and actor health problems, here's one more: Actor/singer Ryan Link, who has been playing "Roger Davis" in the Broadway company of the hit rock musical RENT since September, announced today he will be taking a medical leave from the show.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York, NY -- November 22, 2003

Lead Actor Takes Reprieve From RENT

Actor/singer Ryan Link, who has been playing "Roger Davis" in the Broadway company of the hit rock musical RENT since September, announced today he is taking a medical leave from the show.

Citing vocal health issues, including recurrent laryngitis, hoarseness and pre-nodular edema, Link has reached an agreement with the production team to suspend and extend his contract, and will resume performances on January 4, 2004. He has not performed since November 10.

In a rock opera notorious for inflicting vocal strain upon many of its actors, leaves of absence are common, particularly for this role.

RENT is a tough show to sing 8 times a week, twice a day on weekends, says Link. It requires a larynx of steel. Classical opera singers get triple-cast and have a couple of days to rest between shows -- and theyre not rocking out like we are.

Link is working with a vocal coach to strengthen his technique, and is confident he will return with renewed vigor and endurance when he concludes his rest period. He joined the cast of RENT just two months ago; this is his first starring role, as well as his Broadway debut.

In his absence, fellow performer Jeremy Kushnier has been called in to substitute. Kushnier has played Roger previously, most recently on the 2nd national tour of RENT, and is also known for originating the role of Ren in Footloose on Broadway.

Link recently understudied Kushnier in the role of Radames on the national tour of Elton John and Tim Rices Aida, which closed in August in Milwaukee.

Link's contract with the Tony-winning RENT, originally through February 1, will be extended through April 1, 2004, once he returns to work. For more information, please contact What Kinda PR at (212) 979-0704, email e-mail protected from spam bots, or visit Link's website: ryanlink.com.