'Rent Live' Cast Addresses Why Show Is 'Previously Recorded,' Will Go Live at End

If you were watching the beginning of Rent Live, you may have noticed the broadcast said “previously recorded” before the show kicked off.

Many fans were confused, but it looks like Brennin Hunt‘s sudden injury during the dress rehearsal on Saturday (January 26) caused a major change of plans.

Brennin, who plays Roger, broke his foot, and the cast addressed that the show would no longer be live after the prerecorded number “Light My Candle” between Brennin and Tinashe. Instead, they’ll be showing footage from Saturday’s dress rehearsal before Brennin‘s injury.

“Last night during our performance in front of a live audience, one of our cast members sustained an injury,” Vanessa Hudgens, who plays Maureen, said during the clip. “A visit to the hospital confirmed that Brennin Hunt, our Roger, broke his foot and will be unable to perform tonight.”

“But Rent has always been about community, resiliency and bouncing back, so the show much go on,” Valentina, who plays Angel, added.

Jordan Fisher, who plays Mark, added, “Most of what you’ll see tonight comes will from last night’s performance, but we have all rallied together to rework the final act so all of us can perform it for you live.”

The cast did add that they will come together at the end of the show for a live number and Brennin will be included, despite his injury.