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Regional Reviews: Phoenix The Outsiders Also see Gil's review of Leading Ladies
Adapted by Christopher Sergel from Hinton's beloved novel and set in the 1960s, The Outsiders follows Ponyboy Curtis, a sensitive, intelligent, and thoughtful teenager from the working-class Greasers gang, as he navigates the dangerous divide between his group and the wealthier and privileged Socs (short for Socials) from the better side of town. Ponyboy's parents were killed in a car crash and he lives with his two brothers, Sodapop and Darry. After Ponyboy and his best friend Johnny are involved in a violent confrontation that results in tragedy, a series of events unfolds that forces Ponyboy and his friends to confront their identities, fortify their relationships, and evaluate their place in the world around them. Sergel's adaptation stays true to the spirit of the novel with the plot almost beat for beat the same as the book. Sergel's dialogue is also similar to Hinton's, which effectively highlights the emotional weight of the events in the story and the rich, distinct personalities of the characters. The play, like the novel, is a powerful exploration of brotherhood, loyalty, and the societal lines that divide people who, deep down, actually have much in common. Seeing the well-known characters from the book brought to life on stage will give fans of the novel much to enjoy, even if they already know everything that happens in the plot. As Ponyboy Curtis, Brady Molitor delivers a touching and grounded performance that captures the character's introspection and emotional growth. Molitor is excellent in the role, making you feel deeply for the character and wanting to protect him as much as his two brothers and his friends try to do. It's a superb performance of this beloved character. Brandon Post conveys a quiet intensity as Johnny, portraying his fear and courage with heartbreaking sincerity. Dallas, the tough and unpredictable Greaser, is played with swagger and depth by Leonidas Karandreas, who reveals there is also some vulnerability behind Dallas' rough exterior. Lily Gray is vibrant and compelling as Cherry Valance, a girl Ponyboy befriends. Gray balances the character's Soc identity with her growing understanding of the Greasers that makes her question her previous views; the scenes she has with Molitor are extremely authentic, making Cherry's empathy for Ponyboy and the conflict she faces entirely believable. Sodapop's charm and easygoing nature shine through in Cody Parker's portrayal, providing moments of warmth amid the tension. Darry, the eldest Curtis brother, is brought to life with stoic strength by Owen Rapkoch, effectively communicating the burden of responsibility he feels in caring for his two younger brothers while also beautifully showing the hidden tenderness he has for them. The chemistry among Molitor, Parker, and Rapkoch as the three Curtis brothers adds a strong foundation to the story's emotional impact with scenes that are always authentic. In supporting roles, Joey Garcia shines as Ponyboy and Johnny's friend Two-Bit, and Madison Valadez, Jordan Abrams, Karlos Martinez, and Neo Hamm deliver solid performances as other young members of the Greasers and Socs. The ensemble features a few adult actors who play the older supporting characters in the plot and who, along with the rest of the cast, all create a believable world for the story to unfold. Christian Graca's direction is crisp and thoughtful, emphasizing character relationships and emotional beats without ever feeling forced or becoming too melodramatic. She wisely cast the show age appropriately with Dallas and Darry played by young adults rather than teenagers. This makes sense as both characters carry a weight of experience, responsibility, and emotional intensity that can be more convincingly portrayed by slightly older actors. The maturity that Karandreas and Rapkoch bring to their roles contrasts effectively with the vulnerability of the younger characters. The only quibble I have with the direction is that the altercation that Ponyboy and Johnny are a part of that happens toward the end of act one takes place completely offstage and if you're not familiar with the novel or plot you may not know exactly what happened due to the scene only using some sound effects and offstage dialogue. Graca and Cody Dull's set design is minimal but effective, allowing for fluid scene changes while evoking a gritty, realistic atmosphere. Dull's lighting is excellent throughout, with a range of bright moments and shadowy nighttime scenes that mirror the moods in the piece. The costumes by Tommy F. Graca accurately reflect the time period and help further define each character's social background and personality. Thomas Graca's sound design delivers effects and a musical underscore that help to bring realism to the production. Even more than five decades after its publication, The Outsiders remains a moving story that still resonates. With a wonderful cast and strong direction, Stage Left's production skillfully reminds us that themes of alienation, loyalty, and finding one's place in the world are timeless and that those who feel like outsiders will continue to try to be understood. The Outsiders runs through June 14, 2025, at Stage Left Productions, 5930 West Greenway Road Suite 1A, Glendale AZ. For tickets and information, please visit www.stageleftaz.com or call 623-285-6321 Director: Christian Graca Cast: |
