Daniel Jackson, Communications & Engagement Coordinator of Downtown Tulsa Partnership, attended the national touring debut of The Outsiders Musical. Read more about Daniel’s experience below!
This past weekend, I had the chance to experience The Outsiders Musical as the show made its national touring debut at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center here in Downtown Tulsa. As a life-long Tulsan, S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders has always had a special place in Tulsa. It’s a story of family, community, and recognizing where you come from.
A winner of 10 Tonys at the 2024 Tony Awards, Tulsans knew that this show was the real deal. However, seeing the show in Tulsa was a transformative experience exclusive to Tulsa. The iconic opening number, Tulsa ‘67, completely lit up the room, as applause and audible reactions from the crowd were happening throughout the number. On opening night, Hinton was in the crowd celebrating the show, stating “I’m thrilled to call this my musical”.
If you’ve read S.E. Hinton’s iconic novel or have seen Francis Ford Coppola’s 1984 film adaptation, you’re familiar with the story’s beats. The Outsiders Musical provides a heightened, interactive experience full of dynamic choreography, set pieces, lighting design, and more. This show brings The Outsiders to life like never before, featuring show-stopping numbers that I still can’t get out of my head. "Great Expectations" and "Stay Gold" were two standouts from the show.
Throughout the show, there were gasps, laughter, and specific one-liners that the largely Tulsa audience got some chuckles out of. By the end of the show, I could hear (and feel) the tears from every row in the audience. It was an incredible experience in Downtown Tulsa, and there was no other option to open the national tour than here in Tulsa. If you missed the show at the Tulsa PAC, the national tour continues throughout the country. However, Celebrity Attractions confirmed that The Outsiders Musical will return to the Tulsa PAC in December 2027!