Matthew Murphy
“The Outsiders” technically starts before the show actually starts.
When shuffling into the cozy 1,041-seat Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, it’s impossible to miss star Ponyboy Curtis (Brody Grant; at my Oct. 3 show, understudy Trevor Wayne took the reins) sitting stage right scribbling in his notebook.
After getting comfortable in your seat and observing Ponyboy lost in thought, the Tony Award-winning rural musical finally gets underway.
Right out of the gate, “The Outsiders” is a wallop transporting theatergoers back to 1967 Tulsa (even if you’ve never been there, you’re now there). Ponyboy takes center stage with his distinctly American staccato and introduces his brothers Darrel (Brent Comer, the Curtis family’s steady rock) and Sodapop (Jason Schmidt, alternately breathing life into the show and trembling with vulnerability) through song. This is the moment the musical loudly announces itself as innovative tour de force.
Rather than simply have Ponyboy’s brothers sing their verses, a scrim behind our lead character reveals them bathed in warm orange-yellow light going about their lives while the youngest sibling tells us about their day-to-day existences through song. Director Danya Taymor’s cinematic choice here shows just how much one can do with a stage while also quietly promising a unique production full of clever surprises. She’s clearly bursting at the seams waiting to unleash a lifetime of directorial flairs and “The Outsiders” is the perfect sand box for her to play in.
Without spoiling too much, just a few of those out-of-the-sandbox choices include Ponyboy leaping into an empty front-row aisle seat (don’t worry, the staff makes sure the seat is always empty until that very moment) and a souvenir book handed to a front row audience member.
In short, “The Outsiders” is an essential, immersive live experience chock full of visual panache that must be witnessed up close and personal to get the full “oh, wow, I’m part of the show” effect.
Before we get too far ahead of ourselves though, let’s quickly summarize the musical.
The story is a familiar one if you’ve read S.E. Hinton’s classic novel or seen Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic 1983 film. Ponyboy, Darrel and Sodapop are orphaned after their parents perished in a car accident. They look after themselves and are close with The Greasers, a group of rough and tumble street toughs.
Thing is, Greasers don’t get along with the Socs, a preppy crew. After a handful of scraps, Ponyboy makes advances on the Soc leader’s girl, Sherri “Cherry” Valance (Emma Pittman) — in a scene brimming with raw teen emotion on par with the best in John Hughes’ filmography — and an expertly executed fight ends tragically soon after. Before we know it, our hero is on the lam with his pal Johnny Cade (Sky Lakota-Lynch), whose aww shucks twang is one of the musical’s sneakiest secret weapons.
We’ll leave it at that. No need to spoil anything else from this nostalgia-tinged, oft-adapted tale.
In the stage version of “The Outsiders,” the story — as delicately woven as Adam Rapp and Justin Levine’s book is — is besides the point. Raucous, choreographed light-flashing fights changing tempos from fast to slow motion in the blink of an eye, rain falling from the ceiling (occasionally spilling over into the front row), fire blazing in the background, an ensemble with deja-vu like rhythm, vintage convertibles rolling in, and rollicking, boot-stomping country-tinged folk-rock performed by a live band (look right under the balcony and you’ll see the conductor waving his baton on a monitor) that bleeds Americana is what this simultaneously minimalist and maximalist musical is really all about.
Don’t even get me started on the bravery of the fearless cast climbing sky-high structures or the lighting team’s expert work constantly leaving characters lurking in the shadows. Everywhere you look, something fresh and alive is happening.
If anything, “The Outsiders’” only detriment is that the visionary violence may be too visceral for some and flashlights beaming into the crowd aren’t exactly easy on the eyes. Still, that’s a small price to pay for a ferocious, soulful, vital two-and-a-half hours.
Yes, “The Outsiders” technically starts before it officially starts as mentioned above (show up early for the show before the show!) but the real reward here is Taymor’s vision that sticks with you long after you’ve left the Jacobs Theatre.
Final verdict
“The Outsiders” is a splashy, big-budget DIY spectacle that boldly and proudly makes the most of every inch of the stage.
For that alone, catching this show live is essential for any fan of the book or movie. Or a fan theater. Or entertainment in general. “The Outsiders” is innovative storytelling at its finest.
Grab seats while you still can and make sure you’re as close to the stage as possible for the full effect.
“The Outsiders” tickets 2024-25
Based on our findings, the production has settled into a standard Tuesday-through-Sunday eight-shows-a-week rhythm.
However, just like the show, “The Outsiders’” schedule is a bit unconventional.
Matinees take place on some Wednesdays, some Thursdays and almost all Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
Oftentimes there is no Wednesday evening show.
For a closer look to find the show that matches your schedule — and budget — you can find a complete “Outsiders” calendar including dates, show start times, and links to buy tickets here.
Note: “The Outsiders” runs two hours and 30 minutes including one 20-minute intermission. As of now, the show runs until May 22, 2025.
About the Marriott Marquis
After seeing “The Outsiders,” we walked across the street to the Marriott Marquis, our hotel on the same block.
Built in 1985, the 45-floor behemoth features many amenities including a 24-hour gym with state-of-the-art equipment; an expansive breakfast buffet boasting every meat, pastry and egg option one could ever dream up; a snazzy selfie station; the classy, business-minded M Club; tasteful rooms adorned with modern arts and sizable LGTVs; multiple high-end restaurants and bars; futuristic, whizzing, see-through glass elevators and, of course, very, very, very close proximity to the best of Broadway.
For more information, we recommend checking out our full review of the massive Marriott.
“The Outsiders” cast
Francis Ford Coppola’s 1983 film helped spawn the careers of Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, and Emilio Estevez to name just a few.
While we don’t know what will happen with the stars of the Broadway musical over the next few decades, here’s a bit about the show’s leads to fill you in.
Brody Grant (Ponyboy Curtis) makes his Broadway debut with “The Outsiders.” On top of acting, he’s also an independent recording artist.
Sky Lakota-Lynch (Johnny Cade) previously starred in “Dear Evan Hansen.” You may also recognize him from Disney Plus’ “Iron Fist,” CBS’ “FBI: Most Wanted” or NBC’s “New Amsterdam.”
Joshua Boone (Dallas Winston) has quite a bit of acting experience. He’s the lead in Netflix’s “A Jazzman’s Blues” and lent his talents to the just-announced “Last Meals” with Samuel L. Jackson as well as the upcoming “Fleeing.”
Brent Comer (Darrel Curtis) is also appearing on the Great White Way for the first time. This isn’t his first time in “The Outsiders,” though. He also acted in the musical at the La Jolla Playhouse.
Jason Schmidt (Sodapop Curtis) joins Grant and Comer as Broadway newbies in “The Outsiders.” Notable credits include the TV series “Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies” and “FBI: Most Wanted.”
Huge shows on Broadway in 2024
The Great White Way is having a bit of a moment.
While there are many, many shows you won’t want to miss live, here are just five you have to see before they leave Midtown.
• “All In”
Who else is rockin’ Midtown Manhattan these days? Check out our list of the 20 biggest new shows on Broadway in 2024 to find out.
Why you should trust ‘Post Wanted’ by the New York Post
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.