The war between the Greasers and the Socs ignited at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre during the Los Angeles premiere of “The Outsiders,” the 2024 Tony Award winner for Best Musical. This production, touring North America, retains much of the charm from its world premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in 2023.
While the musical had some rough edges at launch, its captivating indie folk-rock score, composed by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine, articulates the frustrations and aspirations of the 1967 Tulsa adolescent community. A standout moment occurs when Ponyboy leads a powerful rendition of “Great Expectations,” reminiscent of the haunting lyricism found in “Spring Awakening.”
Danya Taymor’s staging, which garnered her a Tony Award for direction, remains a focal point, with a design team executing dynamic and fluid storytelling effectively at the Pantages. However, Thursday’s opening night performance featured a cast that felt disjointed despite their stellar singing.
Jordan Deandre Williams took on the role of Ponyboy Curtis, exuding the character’s angst and heartbreak, yet struggled to portray the nuanced journey of a high schooler grappling with identity. His predecessor, Christian Arredondo, is set to return in the coming week.
Ponyboy, hailed for his pride in his slick hair and literary ambitions, faces bullying from privileged Socs simply for venturing into their territory. The book, co-penned by playwright Adam Rapp and Levine, demands an ensemble that conveys a unique adolescent psychology, yet the necessary swagger often falters.
The cast included Jackson Reagin as Sodapop Curtis and Travis Roy Rogers as Darrel Curtis, showcasing their familial dynamics but lacking the solid connections the narrative requires. A moment meant to illustrate awkwardness between Ponyboy and Cherry Valance instead comes off as an encounter between a boy and his former babysitter.
Musical performances carried the production, with noteworthy vocals from Bonale Fambrini and Tyler Jordan Wesley, who played Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston, respectively. Choreographers Rick and Jeff Kuperman crafted electrifying movement, particularly during the gang war that unfolds, using stylized presentation to amplify the violence’s gravity without glorification.
Though the latter part of the musical, focusing on Ponyboy’s returns to his brothers amid loss, drags, the song “Stay Gold” poignantly captures the innocence still struggling in a harsh world, reminiscent of the themes in Hinton’s classic novel.
Details:
- Where: Hollywood Pantages Theatre
- When: Various times until October 18
- Tickets: Starting at $57, available here
- Duration: 2 hours, 25 minutes (including intermission)
Next, “The Outsiders” will be at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts from October 20 to November 1.
