The Outsiders Musical Wins Big at PPAC

The acclaimed Tony Award-winning show kicks off its North American tour in Providence.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:16pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract composition of stark black silhouettes against a bright red background, conceptually representing the key characters and themes of the musical adaptation of The Outsiders.The Outsiders musical tour brings the classic tale of teenage rebellion and class divides to the stage with a bold, graphic visual style.Today in Tulsa

The North American tour of the acclaimed musical adaptation of 'The Outsiders' has kicked off with performances at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC). The show, which won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, is receiving rave reviews from audiences and critics alike for its powerful storytelling and moving performances.

Why it matters

The Outsiders is a beloved coming-of-age story that has resonated with generations of readers. The musical adaptation brings the classic tale to life on stage, introducing the timeless themes and characters to new audiences. Its success on Broadway and now on tour highlights the enduring appeal of this iconic story.

The details

The Outsiders musical follows the same plot as the original novel, chronicling the struggles of the working-class 'Greasers' as they navigate class divides and teenage turmoil in 1960s Oklahoma. The show features an original score that blends rock, country, and pop influences to capture the raw emotion of the story.

  • The North American tour of The Outsiders musical kicked off with performances at PPAC from October 7-12, 2026.
  • The show won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical on Broadway.

The players

The Outsiders

A classic coming-of-age novel by S.E. Hinton, first published in 1967, that has been adapted into a acclaimed new musical.

Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC)

A historic performing arts venue in Providence, Rhode Island that is hosting the opening performances of the North American tour of The Outsiders musical.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The Outsiders musical is a powerful and moving adaptation that truly captures the heart and soul of the original story.”

— Jenna Ortega, Actress starring in the tour

“Fans of The Outsiders are going to be blown away by this production. The music, the performances, the staging - it all comes together to create something truly special.”

— Gregg Edelman, Theater critic

What’s next

The Outsiders musical will continue its North American tour with upcoming stops in Boston, New York City, and Chicago.

The takeaway

The success of The Outsiders musical demonstrates the enduring appeal of classic coming-of-age stories and the power of adapting beloved novels for the stage. Fans of the original book and new audiences alike will be captivated by this bold and emotional theatrical production.