By Colton Silva
The Outsiders was first a best selling book, then a critically acclaimed film, and now is awarded “Best Musical” for the 2023 – 2024 Tony Award season. Ever since the book’s release, the story has been praised by many for its unique characters and themes. It is even taught and read in schools. However, there has been a decrease in recognition for this story. It seems fewer schools are deciding to read the book. I believe that this should be changed and we should bring back the praise, recognition, and respect this story deserves.
The Outsiders revolves around a trio of brothers named the Curtis Brothers and their lives in Tulsa Oklahoma in 1967. The brothers are a part of a group called “Greasers,” which all live on the east side of town and are considered thugs, hoods, and wild cards. The youngest of the brothers, Ponyboy Curtis, is caught up in a jumping with his best friend, Johnny Cade, by the “Socs,” who live on the west side of town and are considered the middle and high class of Tulsa.
While getting jumped, Johnny pulls out a switchblade in self defense and ends up killing the leader of the Socs. Not wanting to be charged of murder and put their friends and family in danger, they run far away from Tulsa and hide in an abandoned church.
The story deals with heavy themes regarding loss, growing up, and self image in an impactful and beautiful way. Almost all of the themes and events reflect the life of the author, S.E. Hinton, through her teenage years. When the book was first published, she herself was a teenager. It was so impactful that schools started to have students read the novel during their middle and high school years, changing many lives and giving it the reputation it deserves.
Though the book both came out and took place in the same year—1967—I am of the firm belief that these messages, characters, and themes are still just as meaningful today as they were back when it was released. It saddened me to come to the realization that most schools are deciding to not read or watch any version of The Outsiders as much as they used to, favoring more contemporary pieces of literature that are closer to a present day release.
I believe that this element of many people’s lives should be reintroduced for the new generation. Showing these themes and messages in a new light can resonate with others who may be dealing with the same issues and situations. This is especially important now with an increase in anxiety and even self harm.
Both the book, the film, and the musical definitely have left a giant impact on my life. It has taught me a lot about loss and growing up, with characters I can relate to in so many ways. And I know I’m not the only one. Thousands of lives have been altered just by one simple story and 2 words whose meaning is all left up to the mind: “Stay Gold.”
I have huge love, respect, and appreciation for what the musical version has done for the source material. Other musicals or even adaptations and reimaginings of old properties tend to change it to whatever is popular at the time, taking away what made the original piece so unique and wonderful. I praise this adaptation for not going that route.
What The Outsiders: A New Musical does not only for the original source material but even musical theater in general is that it stays true to the original and doesn’t try to add or change anything that could affect the story or value it has. It doesn’t have to add any big jazzy tap dance numbers or bright and vibrant colors and set pieces to make it feel big and different. Sure, they add a few elements to the story or put in a dance number or two, but they put those where the story fits and it could show character growth.
All in all, this story means so much to me and so many others worldwide. I want to see more people recognize this marvelous story and the themes that truly can change lives, so that they can be changed themselves, or look at life from a different perspective. Stay Gold.
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