Adam Pascal close to collecting Rent check

Adam Pascal is in final negotiations to reprise his original Broadway role in the feature version of the Tony-winning musical Rent. Director Chris Columbus and the film's Sony-based producer, Revolution Studios, have been in discussions to reunite much of the original Broadway cast, and Pascal's deal looks likely to be the first one to be completed among that group. Production is due to start in the spring. Pascal would play Roger Davis, a struggling musician who is HIV-positive. The role earned him an Obie as well as Tony and Drama Desk nominations. Two actresses who did not star in the play have also been cast. Tracie Thoms (Wonderfalls) will play lesbian lawyer Joanne Jefferson, and Rosario Dawson will play stripper Mimi Marquez. Pascal's feature credits include School of Rock and SLC Punk! He also appeared in the Broadway musicals Aida and Cabaret.