‘The Outsiders’: A New Musical — Heart, Heat, and Staying Gold on Tour

By Sarah E. Saysoukha | Photo by Matthew Murphy

The national tour of The Outsiders: A New Musical captures everything that made the Broadway production a breakout success: the grit, the grace, and the emotional heartbeat of S.E. Hinton’s timeless story. This cast doesn’t just perform The Outsiders, they live it, bringing raw humanity to a story
about brotherhood, belonging, and what it means to find light in dark places.

The show opens with “Tulsa ’67,” a pulsing folk-rock anthem that sets the stage for a world divided between the Greasers and the Socials. The score, written by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine, blends earthy Americana tones with cinematic emotion. Acoustic guitars, tight harmonies, and a
touch of Southern soul give the songs an authenticity that feels true to the story’s Oklahoma roots. It’s not about flash or spectacle — it’s about feeling, and this touring company delivers that in spades.

At the center is Nolan White, from Franklin, Tennessee, as Ponyboy Curtis. White’s performance is heartfelt and grounded. His Ponyboy is thoughtful, observant, and quietly defiant. He sings with emotional clarity, especially in “Stay Gold,” making the audience believe every word about holding on to hope in a harsh world.

Johnny Cade, brought to life by Bonale Fambrini, a proud member of the Delaware Tribe of Indians and the Cherokee Nation, brings a fragile intensity that breaks your heart. There’s a gentleness in his voice and a haunted look in his eyes that make his story arc feel painfully real. When Ponyboy and Johnny share the stage, their bond becomes the soul of the show — two kids clinging to decency in a world that keeps knocking them down.

Darrel, (Travis Roy Rogers) the eldest Curtis brother, commands the stage with quiet power. His performance grounds the chaos with both authority and heartbreak: the weight of responsibility visible in every movement. Sodapop, played with charm and irresistible energy by Corbin Drew Ross, adds warmth and brightness that balances the story’s rougher edges. His natural charisma lights up every scene he’s in and don’t get me started on those abs! Those help too.

The ensemble moves as one heartbeat: gritty, graceful, and full of fire. Whether they’re fighting, laughing, or mourning, every movement feels authentic and alive.

And the lighting design? Absolutely breathtaking. The use of color and shadow is storytelling in itself: cool blues capture loneliness, amber glows mirror fleeting innocence, and crimson floods the stage in moments of danger and rage. The climactic rumble scene, with its sheets of rain and flashing lights, is nothing short of cinematic magic. The light doesn’t just reveal the scene; it fuels the scene.

This touring production proves The Outsiders has staying power. The music moves you. The performances grip you. The visuals leave you awestruck. It’s a show that reminds us that even in a divided world, kindness and courage still matter. There’s real beauty in choosing to stay gold.

Bottom line: The touring cast of The Outsiders delivers a rich, emotionally charged experience. The music legitimately stands out for its authenticity, the actors carry the weight with sincerity, and the lighting and design are major sculptors of mood and movement. If you’re looking for a musical with
heart, grit, and theatrical flair (rather than pure spectacle), this is well worth your time.

Know Before You Go

What: “The Outsiders”
Where: TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall
When: October 14 – 19, 2025
How: Buy tickets here.
Important: Pit Seats Advisory: Due to special effects, drops of water, washable red liquid, and small rubber pieces from the stage floor may land in this seating area.