Angelina Jolie, the renowned actress and co-producer, has opened up about the Broadway musical The Outsiders, calling it “extraordinary” for the way it connects with audiences. Based on the classic 1983 film and the 1967 novel of the same name, the musical tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers, and his best friend Johnny.
As the show gears up for its North American tour starting October 8 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jolie shared her thoughts on why this musical resonates deeply with people from all walks of life.
What Is The Outsiders Musical About?
The Outsiders musical is an adaptation of the beloved story that explores themes of family, friendship, class divisions, and finding your place in the world. The plot centers around Ponyboy Curtis and his close-knit group, showing the struggles and bonds that shape their lives.
The story originally comes from S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, which was made into a cult classic film in 1983. Now, the musical adaptation has brought a fresh energy to this timeless tale.
Why Angelina Jolie Calls The Outsiders ‘Extraordinary’
In a recent conversation with director Danya Taymor, shared on YouTube and reported by People, Angelina Jolie described the musical’s impact as “extraordinary.” She highlighted how the show brings together diverse audiences — people of different races, ages, political views, and beliefs — all sharing the same emotional experience.
Angelina explained, “Somebody said, ‘you know, this is a uniquely American story,’ but I have also found it extraordinary how much the story has resonated globally.” She added that many places around the world face similar struggles around community, class systems, and feeling separated from others.
This universal connection is what makes The Outsiders so powerful and meaningful to audiences everywhere.
A Rare Story That Brings People Together
Director Danya Taymor echoed Jolie’s sentiments, pointing out that both the original book and the musical have a unique ability to touch people’s hearts, which is rare in today’s entertainment scene.
Angelina also mentioned in another interview that the show is different from others, and she’s confident that many people will bring along friends or family members who might be reluctant at first — only for those “dragged” viewers to fall in love with the performance.
Upcoming North American Tour Details
The Outsiders musical is set to tour more than 30 cities across North America, starting at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center on October 8. The tour will continue through September 2026, giving many people a chance to experience the show live.
The Broadway production originally opened on April 11 last year and went on to win four Tony Awards, further solidifying its success and critical acclaim.
Meet the Cast
The touring cast includes talented performers such as Banal Fambrini, Tyler Jordan Wesley, Jaydon Nget, Mark Doyle, Jackson Reagin, and Nolan White, among others. Together, they bring the characters and story to life with passion and energy.
Why You Should Watch The Outsiders
Whether you are a longtime fan of the novel or movie, or new to the story, The Outsiders musical offers a moving, inclusive, and unforgettable theater experience. Its themes of belonging, struggle, and friendship continue to resonate across generations and cultures.
Angelina Jolie’s involvement as a co-producer and her praise for the show’s unique impact add an extra layer of excitement for audiences eager to see what this musical brings to the stage.
