ONE OF THE MOST beloved coming-of-age stories in American literature is making its way to the stage this summer as Prescott Valley Performing Arts presents The Outsiders at its Main Street Theatre.
Based on SE Hinton’s groundbreaking 1967 novel, which she began writing when she was just 15, The Outsiders tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a thoughtful 14-year-old greaser growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. As tensions escalate between the working-class greasers and the affluent “socs,” a violent confrontation changes the lives of Ponyboy and his friends forever. At its heart the story explores friendship, family, identity and the difficult transition from childhood to adulthood.
According to director Brie Baker, “Everybody has a story connected to The Outsiders, whether that’s the book or watching the movie for the first time. Something about the human experience of the book and going through trauma, or losing somebody that’s really close to you, or just experiencing this really tight-knit group of people that isn’t your family blood-related, but you still feel that deep connection to them. I think that resonates with everybody. And that’s why this story continues to echo into today.”
The stage production in Prescott Valley is the dramatic adaptation by Christopher Sergel, which has introduced generations of theatergoers to Ponyboy, Johnny, Dallas Winston, Sodapop and the rest of the memorable characters from Hinton’s novel. The adaptation captures the emotional intensity of the text while emphasizing the importance of loyalty, compassion and finding hope in difficult circumstances.
Many audience members also know the story through Francis Ford Coppola’s acclaimed 1983 film adaptation, which featured an ensemble cast including C. Thomas Howell, Ralph Macchio, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Diane Lane and Tom Cruise before many of them became major Hollywood stars.
The local production continues PVPA’s commitment to bringing a diverse selection of plays and musicals to the area. The nonprofit organization presents family and youth productions and mainstage performances in its volunteer-built theatre.
Audiences attending The Outsiders can expect an evening of heartfelt storytelling that remains just as relevant today as when Hinton first put pen to paper. Themes of friendship, belonging, courage and choosing compassion over prejudice continue to speak to audiences of every generation.
Baker wants the audience to enjoy the cast’s interpretation of the story and ask themselves, “Either being a greaser or being a soc, these two divided, opposite factions that we have, don’t we all have a chance to see the same sunset at the end of the day? Like we’re all walking this path of life, and we all get to witness the sunset at the end of the day. So what really makes us different from one another? What is that division that we find ourselves in, especially today?”
The Outsiders will play in the Main Street Theatre, 3235 N. Main Street, Prescott Valley, August 14–23. For tickets and info visit mstpv.org or call 928-515-2944.
Photos by Meg Ainley and Amanda Moe
