Most PPBHS students read The Outsiders for class in eighth grade. They analyzed the themes and symbols alongside lovely teachers like Mrs. Ryan and Mrs. Thompson. Now, some students are getting the chance to see the show take to the stage. Theatre director Mr. Ian Kearns is hosting a field trip for students in acting and stagecraft classes, to see The Outsiders on Broadway in New York City.
Adapting a classic novel into a stage production is no easy task. It is often frowned upon by fans, as they fear it will take away from the integrity of the original piece. The 1967 novel by S.E. Hinton and the 1983 film by Francis Ford Coppola are both considered classics to many people, who didn’t feel any remakes would be appropriate. However, many feel that The Outsiders has surpassed expectations.
The music is very unique, bringing a folk, bluegrass vibe contrary to typical show tunes. The show has high action and high emotions, likely what led to them winning the Tony Award for Best Musical. Actor Brody Grant takes the lead as Ponyboy, alongside Jason Schmidt (Sodapop), Brent Comer (Darrel), Sky Lakota-Lynch (Johnny), Joshua Boone (Dally), Emma Pittman (Cherry), and Daryl Tofa (Two-Bit). It has also recently been announced that a performance of The Outsiders will be in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! For those who aren’t able to attend the theatre in person, they now have the opportunity to experience a piece of the show from home this year on November 28.
Eighth-grade teacher Mrs. Lynn Thompson had the opportunity to see the musical herself. She explained, “The music in the Broadway show was absolutely amazing. It took the theme to a whole new level. All of the music was original, but it really captured the book so beautifully.”
In addition to experiencing this art taking to the stage, students will also explore other exciting parts of wintertime in NYC on the trip, making stops at Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Bryant Park Marketplace for lunch! Finally, the show is performed at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre.
In addition to The Outsiders, some senior students are also embarking on a similar city trip to see The Great Gatsby on Broadway. Whether they are fans of the original novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, or the 2013 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tobey Maguire, many people around the country are familiar with this classic story. It is now also a stage production, starring Jeremy Jordan and Eva Noblezada. Most Point Boro students read the iconic novel in their sophomore English class.
Mrs. Jensen, who teaches that class, describes, “Out of all of the novels that we read in high school, it seems that most can connect to the themes in The Great Gatsby—Gatsby’s relentless attempt to reach an unattainable dream acts as a tragic warning that both humbles and fascinates us all.”
The Great Gatsby is currently performing out of the Broadway Theatre in NYC. Additional details of this field trip are yet to be determined.
Students are very much looking forward to these upcoming field trips, The Outsiders on December 19, 2024, and The Great Gatsby TBD!
