The Outsiders musical brings dark, cinematic coming-of-age story to Princess of Wales Theatre

The Tony Award-winning musical The Outsiders is running at Toronto's Princess of Wales Theatre through July 26, bringing S.E. Hinton's classic 1967 coming-of-age novel to the stage in a dark, cinematic style.

The 2024 Broadway production won four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical (Danya Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim), and Best Sound Design (Cody Spencer).

Unlike traditional musicals with bright song-and-dance numbers, The Outsiders tells the story of rival gangs in 1960s Tulsa with a darker tone. The cast sings "normally" without exaggerated delivery, and the production features distinctive stagecraft including real rain effects onstage, immersive sound, and dramatic lighting.

The show centers on 14-year-old Ponyboy Curtis, who lives with his two older brothers after their parents are killed in a car accident. At the heart of the plot is the conflict between working-class greasers and wealthy socs, a gang of privileged kids. The production explores themes of class division, belonging, and how one impulsive decision can alter the course of a life.

Audience members on the main level are warned they may be struck by small soft rubber pieces, water droplets, and washable red stage liquid. The production also uses haze, flashing lights, and herbal cigarettes.