Photos provided by Matthew Murphy

In the four decades since the S.E. Hinton novel turned Francis Ford Coppola-directed film made Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio and C. Thomas Howell household names, “The Outsiders” only increased with topical relevance, and now that it’s been as huge of a hit on Broadway, is poised to do the same for a new class of actors, all while perhaps seeming more timely than ever as it mounts a premiere national tour.

The Cadillac Palace Theatre is the exclusive spot to see the quadruple Tony Award-winning and Grammy-nominated production through Sunday, February 22, featuring a relatively young yet extremely knowledgable cast comprised of Nolan White as Ponyboy Curtis, Bonale Fambrini as Johnny Cade, Tyler Jordan Wesley as Dallas Winston, Travis Roy Rogers as Darrel Curtis, Corbin Drew Ross as Sodapop Curtis, Emma Hearn as Cherry Valance, Jaydon Nget as Two-Bit, Dante D’Antonio as Bob and Jackson Reagin as Paul.

Ponyboy, the narrator of sorts, is barely a teenager and has no choice but to grow up fast following the death of his folks, which starts the Tulsa-based story in motion where the working-class Greasers and the upper crust Socs are in constant conflict.

Not too different from the increasing tensions between today’s social statuses and division-causing stereotypes, “The Outsiders” is just as much a musical drama as it is a cross-cultural commentary, thanks in part to a brilliant book adaptation by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine.

Alongside a memorable, multi-genre soundtrack by folk/Americana duo Jamestown Revival and Levine, compelling choreography by brothers Rick and Jeff Kuperman, plus thoughtful direction by Danya Taymor, it’s a complete package sure to go down favorably in history like the prior formats.

Meanwhile, there’s a lot to unpack throughout an intense season of self-discovery, including standing up to preconceived prejudices, navigating a forbidden romance, domestic violence, an unintended murder, a death-defying rescue, and of course, the unbreakable bonds of family and friendship.

In the process, the pop, rock and country score propels some of the most heart-pounding dance/fight scenes since “West Side Story,” another classic its often compared to, despite this being a true original set about a generation later in 1967.

And similar to what’s happening outside the walls of the Cadillac Palace at the moment to many who don’t fit a particular mold, “The Outsiders” also serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for anyone dreaming of getting embraced by a world that may never accept them, but nonetheless desperately needs the personalities and perspectives they have to offer.

“The Outsiders” continues at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through Sunday, February 22. For additional details, visit OutsidersMusical.com and BroadwayInChicago.com.

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