The role is currently occupied by "American Idol" veteran Tamyra Gray. Her last performance at the Nederlander Theatre will take place on June 15.       

       Goldsberry created the role of Nettie in the Broadway production of The Color Purple, and won rave reviews for her performance as Silvia in the 2005 Shakespeare in the Park production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. On Broadway, she also starred as adult Nala in The Lion King.       

       Rent, which opened on April 29, 1996, is currently the seventh longest running show in Broadway history. It is scheduled to close on Sept. 7.