Angelina Jolie Produces ‘The Outsiders’ Musical Set to Debut on Broadway in 2024

A musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, ‘The Outsiders’, which was also transformed into a film in 1983 by Francis Ford Coppola, is set to make its debut on Broadway. The show is slated to open at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theater on 11 April 2024, with renowned actress Angelina Jolie joining as a producer. Audiences can get a sneak peek during previews starting on 16 March 2024.

Before its Broadway appearance, ‘The Outsiders’ had its inaugural premiere at La Jolla Playhouse in March 2023. Set against the backdrop of 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma, the story dives deep into the lives of Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade, and their band of outsiders. They grapple with the challenge of surviving in a society that often marginalises them, presenting a modern interpretation of the perennial story of societal division between the privileged and the underprivileged.

While the ensemble for the Broadway rendition remains under wraps, the Coppola film adaptation boasted a star-studded cast, including Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Ralph Macchio, Diane Lane, and C. Thomas Howell. The story also briefly ventured into television with a 1990s series on Fox.

Jolie expressed her enthusiasm for theatre and her anticipation for this project, citing a connection from her academic days at the Lee Strasberg Institute and a recent visit to La Jolla Playhouse with her daughter, which reignited her passion.

The musical showcases a book penned by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine. The accompanying music and lyrics are the brainchild of folk duo Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance, operating under the moniker Jamestown Revival. Levine’s contributions to the musical do not end with the book; he’s also involved in co-writing the music and lyrics while overseeing music arrangements, orchestration, and supervision. The dynamic dance sequences are choreographed by Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman, while Danya Taymor assumes the directorial mantle.

The production umbrella includes The Araca Group, American Zoetrope, Olympus Theatricals, Sue Gilad, Larry Rogowsky, and Jolie. The orchestration of the overall show is managed by 321 Theatrical Management.