The Outsiders
About the Show & Characters
From the book by: S.E. Hinton
Adapted by: Christopher Sergel
The Outsiders stage adaptation is seen through the eyes of young Ponyboy, a Greaser on the wrong side of life, caught up in territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids—the Socs—and his tough, underprivileged "greaser" family and friends. While the Socs appear to have everything, the only thing a Greaser has is his friends. As these young people try to find themselves and each other, as the sadness of sophistication begins to reach them and their battles and relationships reach a resolution. At it’s heart, The Outsiders is about young people who are still hopeful in a world stacked against them.
Content/Intimacy Notice
The Outsiders contains heavy themes of abuse, suicide, substance use, gang-related and other violence, and death. There are also mild romantic themes between characters. Violent moments include:
- Injury and death caused by gang violence
- Physical violence (a choreographed “rumble”) between rival gangs
- Physical violence between family members
Some intimate moments will include:
- Violent male to male physical contact
- romantic/non-violent male and female kissing
- romantic/non-violent male and female physical contact
- non-romantic/non-violent male to male physical contact
- non-romantic/non-violent male and female physical contact
- non-romantic/non-violent female to female physical contact
Consent-forward intimacy staging will be part of any rehearsal involving physical touch. If you have concerns you would like to discuss, contact Cole at [email protected]. Concerns or limitations with any of the above material will not affect your consideration for the roles.
Characters
PONYBOY CURTIS – (Male, 14) The 14-year-old protagonist. sensitive, intelligent, and a dreamer who struggles with the violence surrounding him.
DARREL “DARRY” CURTIS – (Male, 20) Ponyboy’s 20-year-old brother, who has taken on the role of guardian; he is tough, authoritative, and hardworking.
SODAPOP CURTIS – (Male, 16) The middle brother, 16, described as movie-star handsome and very supportive of Ponyboy.
JOHNNY CADE – (Male, 16) The gang’s “pet,” who is vulnerable, nervous, and frequently abused by his parents.
DALLAS “DALLY” WINSTON – (Male, 16-20) A hardened, dangerous teenager from New York and the toughest of the group.
TWO-BIT MATHEWS – (Male, 18) The wisecracking, clown of the group, known for his switchblade.
STEVE RANDLE – (Male, 17) Sodapop’s best friend, who is cocky and intelligent
CHERRY VALANCE – (Female, 16-18) A Soc girl who acts as a spy for the Greasers and shares a connection with Ponyboy.
BOB SHELDON – (Male, 17-18) The leader of the Socs, a wealthy, aggressive bully.
RANDY ADDERSON – (Male, 17-18) Bob’s best friend, who is a Soc that eventually becomes disillusioned with the violence.
ENSEMBLE MEN
ENSEMBLE WOMEN
Director: TBD
Stage Manager: TBD
