THE PLAYGROUND is a powerful rock-drama inspired by the true events of teenage runaways and street kids that combines live theatre, rock music, urban vibes, video, and street style dance. Michael Justen adapted their stories from journal entries, interviews and documentaries.. Members of the production team and cast spent time on the streets without food or money with actual street kids to gather true stories for the production. THE PLAYGROUND has joined forces with Los Angeles Youth Network in efforts to promote community involvement to end teenage homelessness.
In the darkest of places, the “street family” offers a sense of belonging, the bonds of friendship, love, and unity in the constant struggle for survival. Bravely written scenes and intimate monologues impart a strong backbone to the interconnecting story lines. Fantasy and drug trips provide a canvas for the vocalists, making the music an entryway into the lonely corridors of their minds, saturated with dreams, fear, passion and hope for a better future.
THE PLAYGROUND features original music and lyrics by Beth Hart, Sebastian Sage, and Michael Justen.
The cast of THE PLAYGROUND features: Luke Barnett, Joey Borgogna, Chris Devlin, Rebecca Edmonston, Jonathan Halyalkar, Renette Johnson, Michael Justen, Erica Katzin, Michelle Kaufer, Michael Montoya, Rachael Page, and Lisa Schwartz.
