The Outsiders Musical Review

The Greasers

Austin, TX, Texas Performing Arts recently welcomed the Tony Award®–winning musical The Outsiders to Bass Concert Hall, bringing the beloved story of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and the Greaser family to life for Austin audiences. Based on S.E. Hinton’s classic novel and Francis Ford Coppola’s iconic film, the musical features an original Americana-folk–inspired score co-written by Austin’s own Jamestown Revival. For duo Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance, debuting the production in the city that shaped their music added a meaningful layer of hometown pride.

Set in 1967 Tulsa, The Outsiders blends themes of identity, belonging, and resilience into a dynamic stage production filled with high-energy choreography, atmospheric design, and emotionally charged performances. Critics have celebrated the show as one of Broadway’s most powerful new musicals, praising its sincerity, striking visuals, and timeless message about finding the good in a divided world. Now, Austin audiences have the chance to experience that magic firsthand. I had the opportunity to attend, and it was a truly memorable experience.

I was especially excited to be invited as part of the press. Like many people, I first discovered The Outsiders in middle school when it was required reading in my sixth-grade literature class. My friends and I loved the story and even convinced our teacher to show us the film (to our surprise, it was from the 1980s, a shock to a group of 11- and 12-year-old girls!). I’ve had my fangirl moment with The Outsiders ever since, so seeing it reimagined onstage felt special and nostalgic.

The musical stayed true to the emotional core and narrative rhythm of the novel, which I deeply appreciated. The opening number, “Tulsa ’67,” immediately set the tone, grounding the story in place and tension. One of the standout performances for me was “Little Brother” performed by Tyler Jordan Wesley, who played Dallas Winston. He delivered with such raw emotion and vocal strength that it captured the heartbreak and innocence at the center of the story. It was easily my favorite moment.

I also loved the humor woven into the show, particularly through the character Sodapop Curtis, played by Corbin Drew Ross. His energy and charm provided much-needed warmth and lightness, contrasting with the heavier themes.

The production design was breathtaking. The fight scene between the Greasers and the Socs was a highlight, a masterful blend of lighting, rain effects, music, and stylized slow-motion movement that made the moment feel cinematic and visceral. I found myself truly struck by the technical precision and creative choices that elevated the emotional stakes. Additionally, the Act I cliffhanger left the entire audience buzzing, eager for more. It was extremely clever.

Fight scene between the Greasers and the Socs

Overall, I felt incredibly fortunate to witness a production where both the performers and creative team clearly poured heart, thought, and detail into bringing this beloved story to life. The Outsiders musical not only honored the source material but also expanded it with powerful performances, thoughtful staging, and moving musical storytelling.