In its 41^st Season, the Season of Change, Storybook Theatre has taken on the book we all read in grade school that haunted us with its bitter truths: the cycle of poverty; the snares of violence; children doomed to endings they cannot steer themselves away from. The Outsiders hears the voice of Ponyboy, a smart orphan raised by two brothers hoping to see him escape the gang bangs and failures that surround them and, indeed, make them; to tread higher grounds than they can.

Robert Morrison bravely and capably takes on the role of Ponyboy, in a tenacious, raw performance. The scenes are often gripping and vicious – the play is rated PG with a recommended audience age of 12+ for good reason. I found myself covering my son’s eyes when the blades came out, or a dubious Soc was taking swings on a poor Greaser pinned down by both arms.

Director Karl Stine did not delineate from the original storyline, playing homage to the 1983 film adaptation starring a young Matt Dillion and Tom Cruise.  Jonathan Molinski, who plays the wreck loose and sexy Dallas, could have doubled for Dillion 30-some years ago. Haylee Thompson is very believable as Cherry. Her voice is commanding, and her acting abilities strong; stronger than some of her peers on stage, though no one lacked effort.

What is, perhaps, the most notable thing about The Outsiders is not so much the story it tells, as the voice it tells it with. S.E. Hinton was only 16 when she wrote the piece, a piece that begs the question ‘why can’t we all just get along?’

Now, 35 years later, we still haven’t answered, but it remains a query we must never cease asking. What stops human beings from recognizing in another, regardless of address or skin colour or bank account, the likeness they inevitably share with themselves? The feelings we all harbour, of fear, sadness, remorse and striving?

Aptly there is a plan in the works to see this production of The Outsiders

embark on a school tour during the 2018/2019 school year. In the meantime, you can see it on the stage of the Beddington Theatre Arts Centre until February 24th.

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Contributor Janine Eva Trotta |

Locale Calgary |

Topic Storybook Theatre | Theatre |