“The Outsiders has a heart of gold and the power to inspire an entire generation.”
If the words “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold,” trigger memories of reading the S.E. Hinton’s seminal novel or watching Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, then you will not want to miss the newest thrilling musical adaptation of The Outsiders!
The winner of four 2024 Tony Awards®, including best musical, this classic coming-of-age story is coming to Walton Arts Center Sept. 1-6, opening the 2026-27 Proctor & Gamble Broadway Series.
The show transports you to 1967, Tulsa, Oklahoma where Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. The story navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them.
The Outsiders is a story of friendship, family, belonging…and the realization that there is still “lots of good in the world.”
The Outsiders was written by S.E. Hinton when she was 16 and living in Tulsa. When asked what sparked The Outsiders, Hinton is matter-of-fact: “I was inspired by my high school. I just got tired of all the social classes fighting each other.”
Since it’s publication in 1967, the book has sold over 15 million copies. As a staple in middle and high school curriculums—used in over 75% of U.S. schools—the actual number of readers is likely far higher than the number of books sold, covering generations of teenagers.
“It never went out of print,” Hinton said. “They kept selling better every year.”
The longevity of The Outsiders has fueled many adaptations, each one reshaping the story for a new generation. Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film cemented its place in pop culture, while school and regional stage productions have kept its themes alive in classrooms and communities across the country. However the Broadway musical has brought the tale full circle, marrying Hinton’s raw honesty with the visceral power of live performance.
This production has been praised for capturing both the grit and the tenderness of her original text, something Hinton herself deeply appreciates. “I love the musical,” she said warmly.
The Outsiders features a book by Tony Award nominee Adam Rapp with Tony Award winner Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Tony Award nominees Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, music supervision, orchestration and arrangements by Justin Levine, choreography by Tony Award nominees Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman and is directed by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor.
“The musical stayed very close to the book and true to the characters,” she said. “Naturally, I am pleased about this. I believe the music provides insight to the characters. I like that some people will experience the story for the first time as a musical, and then they read the book or see the movie.”
One of Hinton’s favorite parts of the stage production is the rumble, which she described in detail in her novel. Through the use of the musical’s fight choreography, gritty staging and modern score it becomes something really mesmerizing. “I thought the rumble was great,” she admitted. “It just brought every piece of [my book’s] description to life.”
Whether it is your first or your 100th time experiencing the Struggle of the Greasers and their search to belong - you will love the raw, pulse-pounding twist the musical adds to the story.
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