Based upon the 1967 classic novel by S.E. Hinton, “The Outsiders” was a wildly successful 1983 motion picture which brought the story of the Greasers and the Socs to the big screen. Now, directors Chad McGee and Kaden Hobbs, along with 20 area youth will bring this play to stage of Warren Arts this month.

After their parents were killed in car accident, main characters Ponyboy, Sodapop, and Darry are brothers living as orphans and in fear of being sent to foster homes. All are members of the Greasers who are viewed by most of society as delinquents. “They grew up on the outside of society. They weren’t looking for a fight. They were looking to belong.” That’s a famous tagline from the S.E. Hinton novel which well defines the Greasers.

The Socs, a group of wealthy youth who live on the south side and are bitter rivals with the Greasers. According to Ponyboy, “They have money, cars, and a future.”

Colin Riley who plays Ponyboy said, “In this story, we are morally gray. We have good intentions, and we are just trying to get by. We are friends who are like family. All the Greasers are that way.”

The Warren Arts cast, costume and set crew have worked particularly hard to transport the audience back to the 1960s era.

“I’m continually amazed with the quality of talent that we have in our youth in Warren County,” said McGee. “It’s especially rare to have so many young men to have such ability on stage and willingness to participate. That allows us to do shows like ‘The Outsiders’ that other rural community theatres in other areas might struggle to cast. It’s been a joy to watch the entire cast develop their characters and performances.”

The energy is mounting with the cast and crew as the curtain will be raised for opening night on Friday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. Additional 7 p.m. shows are set for Jan. 22, 28, and 29. A 3 p.m. matinee will be offered Jan. 23 and 30.

For tickets for more information, please visit warrenartstn.com. Additional information can also be obtained via the Warren Arts Facebook page.