“The Outsiders” Stays Gold in the

New Musical at The Fabulous Fox

by Pat Lindsey

             Before I rave about how exceptional Broadway’s choice of best musical in 2024 is, I have to admit that I never read the book, “The Outsiders.” The book was written about teenagers in Tulsa in 1967 by 18 year-old Susie Hinton, who lived in Tulsa. I wasn’t aware of it then, but it gained popularity in 1983 when Francis Ford Coppola made it into a movie. It eventually launched the careers of A-listers such as Rob Lowe, Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio and Diane Lane.

The stage adaptation of “The Outsiders” is based on the book by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine with music by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance). The music suits the dialogue perfectly and sets the tone for every scene. Every cast member brings passion and clarity to the lyrics.

Among the many outstanding vocal performances are Ponyboy (Nolan White) singing “Tulsa ’67;” Johnny’s (Bonale Fambrini) tear-jerker, “Stay Gold;” and a heartfelt “Little Brother” by Dallas (Tyler Jordan Wesley). 

The story is much like “West Side Story” with two rival gangs living in Tulsa, Oklahoma–one on the east side, the other on the west. They call themselves the greasers and the socs. Ponyboy is the youngest of the greasers and the one most likely to succeed. He and his two older brothers were orphaned after their parents were killed by an oncoming train and they are struggling to survive. His oldest brother, Darrel (Travis Roy Rogers), works day and night to support what’s left of the Curtis family.

All Ponyboy wants to do is go to the movie theater on the west side of town where he can see first-run movies like “Cool Hand Luke.” The west side, however, is soc territory and he is not allowed to trespass on their turf. 

When the rival gangs get into fights, the choreography of Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman is jaw-dropping. Every movement is precise and athletic. The dancers are outstanding. As the tensions between the gangs rise, the choreography packs more powerful punches.

Turf fights escalate into a deadly stabbing. The stage becomes darker and more tragedy follows, but somehow there remains a glimmer of hope that there are better days ahead. If nothing else, there will be love and peace for a while.

            “The Outsiders” is the complete package. The lighting, set, props and natural elements such as water, gravel, fire, thunder, and rain are used as cleverly as I’ve ever seen on stage. It was fascinating to watch what could be done with several large boards and some old tires. And the front end of a car served as the setting for a drive-in and converted to a double bed, among other things. This creative background is the frame for a fantastic cast to portray an emotional story that has an accompanying brilliant score. It gets my vote for the best new musical I’ve seen in quite a while. It’s solid gold.

“The Outsiders” will be playing at The Fabulous Fox now through Jan. 18. Tickets are available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111 or visit The Fox box office. Two rival groups the Socs and the Greasers clash  in  1967 Tulsa.  For more information, go to fabulousfox.com.

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