Vanessa Hudgens Cast As Mimi In LA Run Of ‘Rent’

Now that she’s graduated from “High School,” it’s time for Vanessa Hudgens to start paying “Rent.”

The tween star has landed the role of Mimi in the upcoming three-night only Hollywood Bowl run of “Rent” in Los Angeles, according to several online reports, including The Los Angeles Times and BroadwayWorld.com.

Although no other castings have been announced for the shows, which will run August 6 – 8, Neil Patrick Harris was previously announced as the show’s director.

NPH starred in the 1997 LA run and national tour of the play as Mark.

“She came in for a work session, and I must say, Vanessa really impressed,” Neil said, according to BroadwayWorld.com. “She looks amazing, has great vocal chops, and seems really committed to honoring the somewhat iconic role of Mimi. I look forward to audiences seeing a dark, edgy, and very different side of Vanessa Hudgens this August.”

Mimi – the HIV-positive exotic dancer and drug addict who inspires the raucous “La Vie Boheme” and solos in the racy “Out Tonight” – has been played by numerous actresses over the years, including Daphne Rubin-Vega (who originated the role), Rosario Dawson (who played her in the 2005 film), and even Spice Girl Mel B.

Hudgens, who starred as Gabriella Montez in Disney’s “High School Musical” franchise, will also be seen in the upcoming films “Sucker Punch” and “Beastly,” the latter of which also co-stars NPH.