Concert, Campout For Homeless Teens In Essex County

MONTCLAIR, NJ — An Essex County-based theater company is partnering with several local nonprofits to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth on Saturday, March 30 in Montclair.

According to a news release from organizers, the Vanguard Theater Company is teaming up with Montclair Film, the Human Needs Food Pantry, Toni's Kitchen and Covenant House to present a concert version of “Runaways.”

After the show, the cast will hold a sleep-out on the church's front lawn in solidarity with homeless teens, organizers said.

The concert will take place at 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Montclair, 40 South Fullerton Avenue. Admission is by a suggested donation of $10 plus a can or box of food. (Learn more about this event here)

The collaboration is made possible in part by grants from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts and TeeRico by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

“We are presenting this concert version of Runaways to draw attention not just to homelessness in Essex County, but also to the many organizations, like Covenant House and Toni’s Kitchen, that are trying to help,” said Jessica Sporn, managing director of the Vanguard Theater.

“People don’t realize that Essex County has the highest rate of homeless people in all of New Jersey,” Sporn said. “We’re here to draw attention to that, and also to the different organizations providing shelter, food, and other resources.”

• See related article: Essex County Had Most Homeless In New Jersey For 2017, Study Says
• See related article: Newark Mayor Claims NYC Is 'Abandoning' Homeless In New Jersey

In January 2019, Vanguard Theater Company presented "Runaways" to four, sold-out audiences at the American Theater of Actors in New York City. Watch a video clip from the performance below.

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