Cleveland Trio Brings Tony-Winning 'The Outsiders' Musical Home

The creative team behind the hit Broadway adaptation is staging the show at Playhouse Square.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 3:09pm

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A striking abstract composition of jagged, overlapping silhouettes in shades of navy, charcoal, and crimson, conceptually representing the themes of youth, rebellion, and social divides from the classic story of 'The Outsiders.'The Tony-winning musical adaptation of 'The Outsiders' returns to its Cleveland roots, bringing the story's themes of class conflict and youthful rebellion to life through a bold, graphic visual style.Cleveland Today

Brothers Matthew and Michael Rego, along with their childhood friend Hank Unger, are bringing the Tony-winning musical adaptation of 'The Outsiders' to Playhouse Square in Cleveland, where the trio first honed their theater skills in the 1980s.

Why it matters

The Outsiders, both the classic novel and the acclaimed 1983 film, have deep roots in Cleveland, making the homecoming of this musical adaptation a significant cultural event for the city. The Rego brothers and Unger have achieved national success with their work, and this production represents a chance for them to reconnect with their local theater community.

The details

The Rego brothers and Unger were active in Cleveland's theater scene in the 1980s before going on to produce the Tony-winning Broadway adaptation of 'The Outsiders.' Now, they are bringing the musical back to Playhouse Square, the same venue where they first developed their skills as young theater artists.

  • The Outsiders musical premiered on Broadway in 2023.
  • The Cleveland production will open at Playhouse Square in June 2026.

The players

Matthew Rego

One of the brothers behind the Tony-winning musical adaptation of 'The Outsiders.'

Michael Rego

The other brother involved in the Tony-winning musical adaptation of 'The Outsiders.'

Hank Unger

Childhood friend of the Rego brothers and part of the creative team behind the Tony-winning 'The Outsiders' musical.

Playhouse Square

The Cleveland venue where the Rego brothers and Unger first honed their theater skills in the 1980s and where the homecoming production of 'The Outsiders' musical will be staged.

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What they’re saying

“Bringing this show back to Cleveland is a full-circle moment for us. The city and this theater are where we got our start, and we're thrilled to share this Tony-winning production with our hometown audience.”

— Matthew Rego, Co-creator of 'The Outsiders' musical

What’s next

Tickets for the Cleveland production of 'The Outsiders' musical at Playhouse Square will go on sale to the general public on May 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The homecoming of 'The Outsiders' musical to Cleveland represents a triumph for the local theater community, as the Rego brothers and Unger bring their nationally acclaimed work back to the city where their careers first took root.