As a fan of The Outsiders book, I first saw the Broadway musical from the back of the mezzanine in December. This time, sitting in the fourth row, I enjoyed the choreography and the actors’ facial expressions up close.
Cast highlights
New cast members filled many roles in this performance, since the original Broadway cast took their final bows on March 15th.
Noah Pacht portrayed the main protagonist on the show, Ponyboy Curtis. His version of Ponyboy played more into the emotional side, with him struggling with the death of his friends toward the end of the show. He portrayed this character with an earnest, energetic side, emphasizing that Ponyboy is fourteen years old at the time of the story. He did a fantastic job with the song “Great Expectations,” which highlighted the strength and maturity of his voice.
Caleb Mathura played Johnny Cade, Ponyboy’s best friend. Despite Johnny’s troubles, Mathura added calm and maturity. The duet with Pacht on “Stay Gold” was stunning. His depiction of Johnny’s strained family relationships elicited immediate empathy.
Brandon Lee Jordan’s portrayal of Dallas Winston left me emotional. His song “Little Brother” showcased his vocal strength, especially in the devastating emotion he conveyed during the line “Sorry I failed you.” While Dallas’ death at the end of the show was devastating, his version of the character made it well worth the pain of his death to hear his voice. Because he is the understudy for Dallas, this was his debut night, with friends and family cheering extra loud for him throughout the show.
Dan Berry and Sutton James Kaylor portrayed the older Curtis brothers, Darrel and Sodapop. Both of their characters are the only adult figures for their little brother Ponyboy after both their parents died in a car and train wreck. Dan Berry’s version of “Throwing in the Towel” will be stuck in my mind. He worked hard to raise his younger brothers, and both he and soda pop are very invested in their younger brother’s safety. This is especially evident through the way Sutton James Kaylor presents Sodapop’s character as well.
impactful moments
My favorite moment was the rumble scene. The choreography, lighting, rain, gravel, and sound design made it one of the most intense live theatre scenes I’ve witnessed. The coordinated choreography and sound added power. Watching it live was unforgettable, and I held my breath the entire time.
The special effects were impressive, especially during the fire scene. Knowing that real fire was used was both shocking and scary. The use of these effects in every performance, with set damage and gravel everywhere, amazed me.
“Throwing in the Towel” was my favorite number the first time I saw the show, and it was equally powerful this time. I see it as a point where Soda and Darrel really bond and pick up the slack together. Soda’s realization that his brother isn’t as tough as he seems, and is barely holding it together, made me connect with them both more. Their relationship getting closer made me feel better about the home Ponyboy would be returning to.
The death of Dallas stands among the show’s most moving moments. Until then, he appeared the embodiment of toughness, seemingly able to survive anything. His breakdown over Johnny’s death revealed a vulnerability rarely shown. The lyrics “Do it for Ponyboy, Do it for Johnny Cade” from “Little Brother” especially moved me, expressing Dallas’ belief that the world might be better without him.
This performance of The Outsiders was even more powerful and immersive than my first. Being closer allowed me to fully experience the actors’ emotions and details. The new cast honored the original while adding their own elements, making the performance unique. The production stayed true to the book’s plot and spirit while elevating it with effects, vocals, and choreography, ensuring it’s unforgettable.