THE OUTSIDERS: A NEW MUSICAL at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater
It has been nearly 60 years since readers were treated to one of the most iconic lines in all of literature, “When I stepped out of the darkness of the movie house, I had two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home”. Now this iconic line is being spoken in the newly minted Best Musical production of the classic novel, The Outsiders.
Pony Boy Curtis, an orphan who is left in the hands of his two older brothers: Soda Pop and Darrell, dreams of a life outside of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Along with his brother’s and the other members of the Greasers gang, Pony Boy is constantly stuck in competition with he rich kids, the Soc’s. After a chance meeting with one of the young ladies, Cherry, at the local drive-in, Pony Boy’s life is forever changed. Forced to flee for his life along with his best friend, Johnny Cade, he must come to terms with the choices they have made and the consequences that await them when they return home.
Photo: Matthew Murphy
The Outsiders has become known as a classic of all ages, as most literature classes require their students to read it. As it has seeped into our culture so heavily, partially due to the breakout portrayals of the characters via the star studded film version, it seems like a daring risk to try and adapt it for the stage, let alone a musical.
That is where the brilliantly talented songwriters of Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine come in. Bringing their unique sound to the show, they have created a score and lyrics that not only feel so authentic to the characters but also to the spirit of Oklahoma itself. With Levine’s guidance, the music combines a classic broadway vibe with the folk and twang that almost borders on country music at times which elevates the story but keeps the characters grounded in a sense of realism.
Building the environment that the characters live in, AMP featuring Tatiana Kehvegian, masterfully creates a world that feels gritty and raw. The perfect place for a group of kids who are looked at as if they are trash, just like the junked out car and worn out jungle gym that fills the stage. Covering the floor of the stage are thousands of small rubber pellets to simulate dirt, gravel, and worn down pavement. Although it provides a spectacular effect as the pellets are kicked up during the stylized choreography but they serve a very functional purpose to the show.
Photo: Matthew Murphy
It is no secret that the highlight of the story is the infamous rumble in the later half of the book and the show spares no expense delivering one of the most show stopping moments to ever be mounted on stage. An intricately choreographed fight sequence that is gritty, gory, and heart racing to witness…and it is all done in the pouring rain. Yes, the choreographer, scenic design, and lighting/digital effects teams have crafted one of the most thrilling events to witness live. As the entire stage is covered in rain for a solid five minute sequence, the Greasers and the Soc’s fight it out in a rumble so dynamic and breathtaking, it had the audience’s jaw on the floor long after it ended. (For reference, see the video below).
Breathing life into the characters is a cast that is so monumentally talented, it is hard to believe that it is a majority of the cast’s Broadway debut. Brody Grant shines as Pony Boy, infusing a gritty quality to the performance, the audience feels the longing that he has to belong to a group of rough and tumble kids but also the drive to break out of the confines he feels bound within based on his circumstances.
Joshua Boone is a revelation as Dallas Winston, the convicted felon of the group, who just wants the best for the boys who make up the Greasers but also is striving to make his own way in a world where he has been made to feel inadequate based on the decisions he made in the past, that continue to haunt him.
Perhaps the most heartbreaking performance is turned in by Brent Comer who portray’s Pony Boy’s eldest brother, Darrel. Struggling to make ends meet for himself and his younger brothers after their parent’s passing, Darrel is torn between what he has to do but also what he yearns to do. Comer doesn’t waste a minute of his time on stage to pull at your heartstrings and force the audience to hang on his every note, especially during his tragic number, “Throwing in the Towel” which is sure to bring many tears to the eyes.
While it is devastatingly sad at times, The Outsiders the Musical proves that when a treasured piece of media is handled with care and thoughtfulness, it can become a sensation on the stage. Director, Danya Taymor has brought together a group of artists both in front of and behind the scenes to craft one of the most energizing and beautiful musicals in recent memory. Proving why it truly is the Best Musical of the 2023-2024 Broadway season.
