Runaways

A CONCORD THEATRICALS TITLE

Runaways

Full-Length Musical, Drama  /  9w, 11m

Book, Lyrics and Music by Elizabeth Swados

Created from interviews with homeless children and those in orphanages, Runaways is a collection of songs, dances and spoken word pieces about personal struggle and the world at large as seen through the eyes of youth in New York City in the ’70s.

Image: 2016 New York City Center Production (Joan Marcus)

Runaways

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  • Cast Size
    Cast Size
    9w, 11m
  • Duration
    Duration
    90 minutes
  • SubGenre
    Subgenre
    Docudrama/History
  • Audience
    Target Audience
    Adult
Accolades
Accolades
  • Nominee: Five 1978 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Book and Score
    Nominee: Four 1978 Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical, Music and Lyrics
    Winner! 1978 Obie Award for Director Elizabeth Swados
Runaways

Details

Summary

Runaways is a collection of songs, dances and spoken word pieces performed by children who have run away from their homes. Initially created from interviews with homeless children and those in orphanages, Liz Swados’ unique piece weaves songs about personal struggle and the world at large through the eyes of youth in New York City in the ’70s. The show blends different musical styles, from pop to hip-hop and jazz to reggae, while asking why children can’t remain children.

The licensed version of Runaways reflects the version performed by Encores in 2016.

History
Runaways premiered off-Broadway at The Public Theater in New York City on 21 February 1978, under the direction of Elizabeth Swados. On 13 May 1978, the show opened on Broadway at the Plymouth Theatre.
Keywords
Performing Groups
HUBBELL
INTERPRETER
A.J.
JACKIE
LIDIA
MELINDA
NIKKI KAY KANE
MANNY
EDDIE
SUNDAR
ROBY
LAZAR
ERIC
IGGY
DEIDRE
EZ
LUIS
MEX-MONGO
JANE
MOCHA

Cast includes children of various ages.

  • Time Period Contemporary
  • Features Contemporary Costumes/Street Clothes
  • Duration 90 minutes
  • Cautions
    • Strong Language
    • Mild Adult Themes

Media

“It’s enthralling – a fast and furious, poignant and disturbing eighty minutes.” – AM New York

“This blast of undiluted teen spirit... is guaranteed to leave you feeling windblown, hyped up and ready to race through the most torpid summer night... Elizabeth Swados makes us eavesdrop on the sufferings of children. That sounds ominous but it isn't... The calligraphy of childhood is one of the wonders of nature even when the message it writes is heartbreaking.” – The New York Times, Read More

“It’s enthralling – a fast and furious, poignant and disturbing eighty minutes.” – AM New York, Read More

“An immensely affecting show.” – Newsweek

Videos

  • Cast of the Encores! production of Runaways youtube thumbnail

    Cast of the Encores! production of Runaways

  • More from the cast of the Encores! production of Runaways youtube thumbnail

    More from the cast of the Encores! production of Runaways

  • Runaways youtube thumbnail

    Runaways

  • Behind the scenes of Encores! Runaways youtube thumbnail

    Behind the scenes of Encores! Runaways

Photos

  • Runaways

    Image: 2016 New York City Center Production (Joan Marcus)

Music

Music Samples

1. “You Don’t Understand”
2. “I Had to Go”
3. “Faster, Faster, Help!”
4. “Where Do People Go?”
5. “This Is Very Serious”
6. “Footsteps”
7. “Current Events”
8. “Every Now and Then”
9. “Out on the Street”
10. “Song of a Child Prostitute”
11. “Fight”
12. “Find Me a Hero”
13. “I Am the Undiscovered Son”
14. “I Went Back Home”
15. “The Basketball Song”
16. “No Lullabies for Louie”
17. “We Are Not Strangers”
18. “In the Line”
19. “Lullaby from Baby to Baby”
20. “Revenge”
21. “Enterprise”
22. “Sometimes”
23. “Clothes”
24. “We Are Not Strangers (Reprise)”
25. “Graffiti”
26. “Where Are Those People Who Did HAIR?”
27. “The Untrue Pigeon Song”
28. “Appendectomy II”
29. “Let Me Be a Kid”
30. “To the Dead of Family Wars”
31. “Finale: Lonesome of the Road/Let Me Be a Kid (Reprise)”
32. “Bows”
Piano-Conductor (and Toy Piano)

Reed 1 (Alto Saxophone and Soprano Saxophone or Bb Clarinet)
Reed 2 (Flute, Tenor Saxophone)
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 1
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 2
Percussion (Congas, Tambourine, Cow Bells, etc.)
Drums
String Bass
Guitar
  • Musical Style Pop/Rock
  • Vocal DemandsModerate
  • Orchestra Size Small/Combo
  • Chorus Size Medium

Licensing & Materials

  • Licensing fees and rental materials quoted upon application.

Music Rentals

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21 Piano-Conductor

Reed 1
Reed 2
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 1
Trumpet/Flugelhorn 2
Percussion
Drums
String Bass
Guitar
21 Piano-Conductor
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Authors

Elizabeth Swados

Elizabeth Swados

Elizabeth Swados (1951-2016) composed, wrote and directed over 30 theater pieces, including The Trilogy, The Red Sneaks, Nightclub Cantata, Runaways, Alice in Concert, Doonesbury, Rap Master Ronnie, The Haggadah, Jewish Girlz, Jonah, Job, Esther, Jerusalem (with Yehudah Amich ...

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