Original cast members Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp were greeted like rock stars Wednesday night as they made their first appearances on stage in the tour of "Rent" at the Orpheum Theatre this week. That’s apt, as the once-fresh show now feels like a band out on a greatest-hits tour. The show was as much about anticipating the next big moment as actually reacting to what is on stage.

More than a decade on, "Rent" is showing its age. Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking rock version of "La Boheme" has been surpassed by a number of shows in recent years, while the specific era evoked —­ that of grungy New York around 1990 — continues to fade in the memory. There’s still life in the old bones, however. The core message ­ about accepting people for who they are and loving each day like it’s your last ­ is not going out of style.

Pascal and Rapp, as Bohemian roommates and friends Roger and Mark, work hard to make the experience as fresh as opening night 13 years ago, and bring that original energy with them in the show. They’re aided by a solid cast, including Michael McElroy and Justin Johnston as Tom Collins and Angel, one of the love stories that really powers the show. The cast also includes a third original member, Gwen Stewart, who unleashes a glorious vocal solo on "Season of Love." Lexi Lawson isn’t as strong as Roger’s love interest, Mimi, as her delivery sometimes stumbles and her character lacks any real nuance.

Of course, "Rent" really isn’t about nuance. Fueled by the energetic crowd, the cast hits the show’s highlights and quickly passes through the more sluggish moments. Even after all of the times I’ve seen the show — and even after sitting through the awful film version — the show’s finale still tugs hard on my heart.

"Rent" runs through Sunday (March 29) at the Orpheum Theatre, Minneapolis. Tickets are $18 to $80. For information and tickets, call 1-800-982-2787 or go online.