A long lease

Anthony Rapp, Adam Pascal, and Gwen Stewart return to their apartment in the roles they originated on Broadway in “Rent: The Broadway Tour.’’ (Pascal and Lexi Lawson pictured below). Inspired by Puccini’s opera “La Bohème,’’ the story follows impoverished artists in New York’s East Village and delivers a message of life and hope. Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer- and Tony-winning musical paved the way for “Spring Awakening,’’ “Avenue Q,’’ and other risk-taking, outside-the-box shows, according to Rapp. Sadly, Larson died at the age of 35, hours after the show’s final dress rehearsal off-Broadway. 8 p.m. (through Nov. 22). $38-$68. Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 401-421-2787. www.ppacri.org