On a tiny stage in New York City's East Village in 1996, actors Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp--with a crew of New York performers--first brought the musical Rent to life. They infused emotion and drama into the story of struggling artists dealing with the AIDS epidemic. Pascal and Rapp eventually took the show to Broadway, where it won a Tony Award. Four years ago, the duo starred in the story's film production. This summer, though, Pascal and Rapp will do something they haven't done before: take the musical on the road. The show, which premiered its Denver run last night, gives audiences a peek at the origins of this newly minted classic. Bonus: In keeping with the Rent tradition of ensuring affordable seats, the Buell is selling a handful of $20 orchestra seats every night. These tickets are available two hours before the performance at the theater. Through June 14. Tue-Fri 8 p.m.; Sat 2 p.m., 8 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. Buell Theatre, Speer Blvd. and Arapahoe St., 303-893-4100 $30-$95