MJ Rodriguez & More Set for Encores! Off-Center's Runaways at City Center

MJ Rodriguez will return to the New York stage to appear in the previously announced Encores! Off-Center production of Runaways. Joining her are a handful of young actors—some Broadway and off-Broadway alums, along with newcomers found through an open call. Performances will run from July 6 through July 9 at New York City Center.

Rodriguez, who played Angel in the off-Broadway revival of Rent and has since come out as transgender, recently shared on Facebook her experience of auditioning for Hamilton as a trans performer. “My goal was to just be seen as the woman I have beome, as well as show I can do the work,” she posted.

The cast will also include Frenie Acoba (Matilda), Taylor Caldwell (School of Rock), Sophia Anne Caruso (Lazarus), Aidan Gemme (Finding Neverland), Matthew Gumley (The Addams Family), Sam Poon (The King and I), Jeremy Shinder (A Christmas Story), Ripley Sobo (Matilda) and Chris Sumpter (Matilda).

Rounding out the company are Sumaya Bouhbal, Kenneth Cabral, Maxwell Cabral, Xavier Casimir, Joshua DeJesus, Adleesa Edwards, Reyna Guerra, Christina Jimenez, Kylie McNeill, Cele Pahucki, Siena Rafter, Claudia Ramirez, Ren, Deandre Sevon and Maxwell Vice.

Runaways, created by the late Elizabeth Swados, premiered off-Broadway at the Public Theater before transferring to Broadway in 1978. The show assembled a team of creators and performers who were actual teen runaways and told their stories through songs and spoken work pieces.

The Encores! Off-Center production will be directed by Sam Pinkleton and feature choreography by Ani Taj.

Meet the new Runaways cast below!