Avid theatergoers are occasionally rewarded by a musical that is nearly perfect. Even less frequently is one that is essentially flawless. Such is the case with this magnificent staging of S.E. Hinton’s bestselling classic novel The Outsiders. All the themes are present: communities divided by economic inequality, the circle of violence, individual identity, overcoming struggle, self-sacrifice, honor and the value of friendship and loyalty.
Two rival gangs are featured in this coming of age story. Their socioeconomic class defines them as either working class Greasers or the upper middle class Socs (as in Socials). The novel and this musical are narrated by Ponyboy Curtis. The story begins one night when he is jumped leaving a movie theater in the wrong neighborhood.
The Outsiders was published in 1967 and is considered a classic, selling fifteen million copies. Francis Ford Coppola made a film starring soon to be famous young actors in 1983. Imbeciles have been banning this book for years. A new generation has mined this dramatic gold and adapted Ponyboy’s tale into a superlative Broadway musical.
This adaptation is written by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine. The story is clear eyed and focused from the initial violent act through the intense gang warfare and quietly devastating conclusion. Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) along with Mr. Levine penned the music and lyrics. The songs propel the story, showcase the characters and completely belong in a tale which takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967.
Scenography is by AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian. This entire show is staged on one primary set, a marvel of dreamlike imagery and function. The lighting design (Brian MacDevitt) is stunningly evocative and menacing as needed. We completely know where we are at all times. We are watching a character based drama inside a consummate diorama.
Many members of this cast are making their Broadway debuts. Bravo to Tara Rubin Casting and Xavier Rubiano who assembled this impressive ensemble. Everyone is perfect. Perfect. Absolutely everyone. They all look right for the parts they are playing and inhabit the roles with unceasing conviction. When conflict comes, therefore, it arrives with unbearable tension even for those who know what’s about to happen.
In a supremely confident Broadway debut, Brody Grant is Ponyboy Curtis, the center of this maelstrom. Brothers Darrell (Brent Comer) and Sodapop (Jason Schmidt) are outstanding as Ponyboy’s only remaining family who valiantly try to maintain a safe home with few prospects. A scene in the house near the end of the play is so damn fine with an enormous emotional payoff. Watch their body language which equals, or even exceeds, the spoken words.
Joshua Boone’s Dallas is the roughest of the Greasers. His bond with Ponyboy is strong and his character drives key plot points. Mr. Boone is an extraordinary presence but his performance never throws the musical off balance. The critical part of Johnny Cade, Ponyboy’s damaged best friend, is portrayed by Sky Lakota-Lynch with all of the heartbreak and bravado required.
The Socs cannot be forgotten here either. Kevin William Paul’s Bob is spot on as the uber privileged rich white jock terrorizing the unfortunate with his best bros. Emma Pittman plays Cherry Valance, the girl who converses nicely with Ponyboy at the Drive-In. The realism achieved in that scene is amazing. I have not yet mentioned Rick & Jeff Kuperman’s intricate, muscular choreography. There is just so much to love here.
How nice it is to see fresh faces mounting new shows on Broadway. I have previously seen three plays directed by Danya Taymor off-Broadway (Heroes of the Fourth Turning, Evanston Salt Costs Climbing and queens). Ms. Taymor knows how to tell stories brilliantly in memorable tableaus while drawing out intensely realized performances. This time she does it with music and we are the beneficiaries beholding her massive talent and storytelling vision.
The Outsiders is a theatrical masterpiece from beginning to end. This production seamlessly blends a great streamlined book with supremely tuneful and character appropriate songs. A striking and superbly creative production design launches this riveting drama into the stratosphere of artistic excellence through a unbeatable cast of young actors giving phenomenal performances. Pay the extra money for really good seats in the orchestra if you are able. That is the ideal location to be astonished. Thank you Ms. Taymor and the entire company of The Outsiders. I am in awe.
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