The outsiders

I’m staying with my friend Don Frantz, a director and producer with an impressive portfolio of Broadway shows. Naturally, he took me to see one.
Last night, we watched The Outsiders, a new Broadway musical adapted from S.E. Hinton’s novel. Many might be familiar with the film, but on stage, the story unfolds with a raw, visceral energy—a coming-of-age tale that feels like a cross between West Side Story and Grease, yet entirely its own.
What a show! Visually stunning, aided by modern technology—the burning of the old church was breathtaking in its realism. But even more striking was the performance itself. Sitting in the front row, I saw tears and snot fly from the actors’ faces, felt the intensity of their emotions, and marveled at the skillful storytelling. And, of course, being a musical, I must mention the lyrics—lyrical, poignant, unforgettable.
If there’s one criticism, it’s that some character development felt a little rushed, likely an inevitable challenge when juggling so many characters in a single production.
Still, I was enthralled. More than just the show, I loved the whole experience: dressing up (though, to my disappointment, not everyone did), dining at a lovely restaurant beforehand, and later, walking through the restless energy of Broadway, snow falling around me. A night to remember.