The Launch of “The Outsiders” Musical in Los Angeles
Background on “The Outsiders”
Fifty-nine years ago, a 16-year-old Susie Hinton penned a novel about class struggles among teenagers in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This powerful story resonated with countless adolescents and later inspired a 1983 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Fast forward to 2023, and the tale is now a celebrated musical adaptation, having premiered at the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, moved to Broadway, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
Los Angeles Opening
On Wednesday, “The Outsiders” opened at the iconic Pantages Theater in Hollywood, bringing with it an air of excitement. The evening was marked by a fundraiser co-hosted by Angelina Jolie and Octavia Spencer to boost youth access to live theater through initiatives like the Stay Gold Project and City Year.
Jolie and Spencer’s Commitment to Education
Angelina Jolie, one of the producers of the musical, was deeply moved during her first viewing when accompanied by her daughter Vivienne. “I was watching her and realizing what she was seeing… and I was discovering my daughter,” Jolie shared. Octavia Spencer, a board member of City Year, emphasized the significance of listening to students’ needs, citing her experiences in their mentorship programs.
Impact of City Year
City Year serves as a crucial support system for students in under-resourced schools, offering mentorship and guidance. Baeza, a City Year alum, discussed how this role is about consistent presence rather than nobility. She reflected on her time in Boyle Heights, emphasizing the importance of connecting with students and being there for them.
A Night to Remember
The premiere brought 35 City Year students from Pio Pico Middle School, marking their first exposure to live theater. Their reactions were vibrant, with young attendees like Boima Clarke expressing awe at the production’s intensity and dedication.
Spencer poignantly captured the essence of storytelling, stating, “Long after every building collapses… it will be the stories that we tell each other.” This encapsulates the musical’s core message, inspiring a new generation to own their narratives.
As “The Outsiders” takes center stage in Los Angeles, it solidifies its legacy of connecting audiences through powerful storytelling and invaluable mentorship.
