‘The Outsiders’ Musical Adaption Premieres On Broadway To Enthusiastic Reviews

The young adult novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton has captivated readers for decades, and the 1983 film adaptation, filled with rising stars, further cemented its place in popular culture. Now, a new musical adaptation at the Jacobs Theater on Broadway seeks to tap into the timeless story’s magic.

The musical, directed by Danya Taymor, possesses undeniable heart and soul, but it occasionally falls short of a truly theatrical experience. Although the plot of The Outsiders is rich in dramatic events—a clash between rival gangs, a star-crossed romance, and a climactic confrontation—the stage adaption can easily be compared to other classic stage productions, particularly Grease and West Side Story. 

The script, written by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine, focuses on three orphaned brothers: Ponyboy, portrayed by Brody Grant as the narrator; the brawny and romantic Sodapop, played by Jason Schmidt; and the eldest brother, Darrel, portrayed by Brent Comer as the father figure. Rapp’s adaptation positions Ponyboy as the intellectual backbone of the family, a change from the original novel.

The score, composed by folk duo Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Levine, evokes a country-infused sound that captures the desire to escape the confines of the brothers’ Oklahoma home. The first act is dominated by songs that emphasize this fixation.

The raw-wood set, a barn-like wall designed by AMP and Tatiana Kahvegian, is a visual metaphor for the characters’ imprisonment and allows notable effects to shine through.

The musical doesn’t shy away from exploring social divisions and race. It considers the historical context of Tulsa in 1967, as well as the devastating racial massacre that occurred there only a few decades prior. The mentorship between ex-convict Dally, played by Joshua Boone, and Johnny, portrayed by Sky Lakota-Lynch, highlights the fatal consequences of hard-earned wisdom. Both actors deliver standout performances in their late-stage numbers.

Hinton’s novel established a powerful first-person narrative voice, whereas the musical takes a gentler approach and delves into the complexities of masculinity with an indie emo-inspired musical style.

The Broadway version, produced by Angelina Jolie, seems destined to have big at night at the Tonys.