Angelina Jolie reflects on the profound impact of the Broadway musical “The Outsiders” as it commences its North American tour, starting on Wednesday, October 8th. The critically acclaimed production, which Jolie co-produced and won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, has left audiences around the world captivated by its storytelling. In exclusive footage shared by the production team, Jolie expresses her awe at how the narrative has resonated on a global scale.
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As the musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s iconic 1967 novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s renowned film takes to the stage, Jolie delves into the universality of the themes explored. She reflects, “Everywhere in the world has something that has challenged those neighborhoods, those families, those people, where you’re wondering your place and where communities or class systems put people against each other and have made them feel very different and very separate.” The production of “The Outsiders” opened on Broadway to critical acclaim in April 2024, securing four Tony Awards, including the coveted Best Musical title.
On October 8th, the North American tour kicks off at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center in Oklahoma, the city where the story is originally set. Notably, author S.E. Hinton penned the novel while still a high school student in Tulsa. Jolie, in conversations with the creative team behind the musical, including director Danya Taymor, highlights the transformative power of the production. She expresses her excitement about the impact the show will have on audiences, especially those who may be introduced to the narrative for the first time during the tour.
Featuring a talented cast led by actors Nolan White, Banal Fambrini, Tyler Jordan Wesley, Travis Roy Rogers, Corbin Drew Ross, Emma Hearn, Jaydon Nget, Mark Doyle, Jackson Reagin, and Jordan DeAndre Williams, “The Outsiders” narrates the poignant tale of Ponyboy Curtis and his unconventional family’s struggles against their affluent adversaries, the Socs. The juxtaposition of dreams and societal barriers forms the crux of the storyline, resonating with audiences as they witness the characters’ journey of self-discovery.
Beyond the stage performances, the production is expanding its reach through initiatives such as “The Stay Gold Project,” a collaboration with SONIC Drive-In. This educational endeavour aims to provide middle and high school students at public schools with the opportunity to experience the show by offering free tickets and educational resources. Through such efforts, “The Outsiders” aims to engage with a broader audience and foster a deeper connection with the community.
The musical’s touring company, comprising a dedicated ensemble of performers, will traverse over 30 cities across the United States and Canada until September 2026, bringing the timeless tale to diverse audiences. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, the production seeks to make the narrative accessible to students who might otherwise miss out on such cultural experiences. Through partnerships and collaborative projects, “The Outsiders” is creating avenues for engagement and enrichment within the community.
As Angelina Jolie and the creative team behind “The Outsiders” embark on this enriching journey of storytelling and performance, their commitment to sharing a powerful narrative shines through. With each stop on the tour, the production aims to ignite conversations, spark imaginations, and inspire audiences to reflect on the themes of identity, belonging, and resilience portrayed in this enduring classic.