“The Outsiders,” playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on West 45th Street, is an example of Broadway beauty. This musical has heart, strength, love, struggle, tragedy and triumph, and in no way sugarcoats life.
It tells a poignant story of the Greasers, poor youth in 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma and the Socs, rich youth. It also tells the story of three brothers trying to live after their parents die in a car accident. The new musical, based on the novel by S. E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola’s motion picture, has an intoxicatingly engaging book by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine with phenomenal music and lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine. Levine also provides music supervision, orchestration, and arrangements.
Ponyboy Curtis introduces us to his older brothers, Darrel and Sodapop. We also hear about his plight as a young person from the poor side of town and how he and his friends are bullied by the Socs. But he is driven by his talent and a dream. His best friend is Johnny Cade. Dallas Winston tries to look out for Ponyboy.
The songs in this musical may bring tears to your eyes. You will definitely experience thrills, chills, joy and sadness throughout the many incredibly moving and unforgettable moments. Danya Taymor’s dynamic direction will leave you stunned and wanting more. The choreography of brother Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman is exhilarating to witness. I’ve never seen anything so captivating as the fight scene—not through just the moves, but the use of lighting by lighting designer Brian MacDevitt. Every element of this musical flows from the scenography of AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian, to the costumes of Sarafina Bush, sound design by Cody Spencer, projection design by Hana S. Kim, special effects design by Jeremy Chernick and Lillis Meeh.
This cast is outrageously talented, including the three brother characters onstage who are a triple threat, as all three actors are making their Broadway debuts in “The Outsiders.” What a way to start on the Great White Way! I have a feeling they won’t be outsiders after this. Brody Grant is making a spectacular Broadway debut in the role of Ponyboy Curtis. I know we will see a lot more of this young man. He is phenomenally talented and knows exactly how to pull at our heartstrings. Brent Comer is marvelous in his debut as oldest brother Darrel. Jason Schmidt is tremendous in his debut as Sodapop. Sky Lakota-Lynch is devastatingly wonderful as Johnny Cade, whose character shows a lot of depth. Joshua Boone is mesmerizing as Dallas; he plays the role with a great deal of power, care, and heart. The other company members truly are fantastic as well and include Emma Pittman as Cherry; Kevin William Paul as Bob; Dan Berry as Paul, Sarahgrace Mariani as Marcia, Daryl Tofa as Two-Bit and Kevin William Paul as a cop. The ensemble of dancers definitely is electric to watch!
“The Outsiders” is outstanding on Broadway! For more info, visit www.outsidersmusical.com.