Child's play: MET-X and Ensemble School to explore the dark side of the street

The play, a collaboration between The Maryland Ensemble's MET-X and Ensemble School programs, was first written and produced in the 1970s, according to director Julie Herber.

"What I really like about this is having the actors explore what each of the characters are running away from," Herber said.

Herber had seen the show on Broadway years ago and always knew she wanted to direct it herself. She is finally seeing the show come to life on stage after weeks of challenging, emotional rehearsals, which have resulted in close relationships within the cast of 22.

"This show is absolutely amazing. The whole cast just clicks together," said Dani Theresa Ebbin, 12, of Frederick. Her second show with the Maryland Ensemble, Ebbin portrays Eddie, a victim of parental abuse who runs away from home.

"She wants to find someone who will be nice to her and she doesn't want to be scared anymore," Ebbin said.

"Runaways" is a collage of songs, dance and monologues exploring the deteriorating family, said Herber. Presented in non-linear fashion, the show may be difficult to follow, but is full of raw, honest emotion that will keep audiences wondering what happens next. Each youth tells a tale of abuse, drug addiction or prostitution and how he or she still has hopes and dreams that they want to pursue.

"The kids are interacting on the street and sharing their lives with the audience," Herber said.

The cast ranges in age from 12-25. Many are students of the theater's Ensemble School, while others are performing for the first time after landing roles at open auditions.

The director believes this has been a great opportunity for the Maryland Ensemble to feature a serious, challenging show for young people — something that isn't always possible with the busy theater group's mainstage schedule.

In addition to heart wrenching stories, the play is filled with music from rock to reggae to rap and everything in between.

"This show delivers a good message and has something for everyone. You have to watch it to experience it," said actor Clay Comer, 22, of Frederick.

Participating in community theatre since the age of 14, Comer plays the part of Luis, a Puerto Rican heroin addict.

"I had to go to a dark place with this character. I don't have an addictive personality but I liked the challenge of this character," Comer said.

Herber said she is looking forward to tonight's curtain when the cast will finally bring it all together on the stage. Rehearsals have been challenging, noted Herber, who had to navigate a large staff on the stage while helping actors bring out the raw emotions of the characters.

"It's been sad a lot of times, but it's also funny a lot of times. It's a cool show that is very exciting," Herber said.

‘Runaways'

When: 8 p.m. tonight through Saturday; 8 p.m. Aug. 21-23

Where: Maryland Ensemble Theatre, 31 W. Patrick St., Frederick

Tickets: $15 for adults, $12 for students and seniors

For information:

301-694-4744

www.marylandensemble.org