“Stay gold, Ponyboy.” This is the iconic line that every 7th grader hears in their ELA class at some point during the school year. 

This year, the HHS drama department has decided to put on the NY Times best-selling and Tony Award-winning play The Outsiders. The Outsiders was originally a book written in 1967 by S.E. Hinton. It hit the big screen in 1983 and has been a mandatory book for 7th graders to read in recent years. HHS has decided to perform the outstanding play and told how the process is going. 

Ms. Brooke Barfield is the head director of the play, making this the 17th high school play come to life. 

“This play was chosen because I had talked to kids last year about their favorite book they’ve read in the past,” Barfield said. “The Outsiders was one of their favorites and I thought it would be fun to put on. Especially for the kids who are currently reading the book. My favorite part about running the plays is the ability to see the kids differently than being in the classroom.”

Barfield said that rehearsals are about what you can expect. Giving critiques without kids taking it to heart. Along with casting the right people for the right parts, not just from a talent point but also from seeing who wants to be there. 

“One of the most difficult things with doing the plays is working with clubs/sports schedules and how to work around it,” Barfield said, “Another thing is examining adult jokes since this play is from the ’60s so bridging the gap with age and culture.”

Barfield believes that everyone got the part that was intended for them. “I rather do a show with a kid with a good attitude rather than a kid with more talent,” Barfield said.   

Emma Case is a great example of someone with both of these things as she was cast as the main character. Emma Case takes on the lead role of Ponyboy Curtis. “I was really happy at first and excited but, also in a bit of denial,” Case said, “Ponyboy was my first choice for the play, and knowing I got him made me happy.” 

Case said rehearsals go pretty well, but getting off the book with the many lines she has to memorize is a bit stressful. When remembering her lines she has a weird technique. Case records cast members’ lines for a scene and give her space to speak so she can remember what to say.

“I don’t know if my part fits me. I thought about the play over the summer a lot and asked if people could see me as him but, I still find it hard to believe that I got him.” Case said, “I feel like it’s hard to answer if people got the right part because if you’re a flexible actor then you can do anything.” 

Case said she relates to Ponyboy in most ways like having a hard time with family or feeling like she doesn’t fit in. That is one of the things she likes about him, relating to and understanding Ponyboy. 

Abby Robinson (10th) takes on the second important role in this play. She plays the tortured, shy, vulnerable Johnny Cade. Johnny’s behind the reason why Ponyboy decides to write the incredible story at the end.

“I auditioned for the play because I like the idea of acting and the passion behind it,” Robinson said. “It’s a way for me to get out there since I’m kind of shy. It’s good for me to become more outgoing and to get better at public speaking.”

Robinson was ultimately happy about her role. “I had mixed feelings at first when I heard I got cast for Johnny. I know a lot of people did once the list was posted but, after a while, I began to get excited.”. 

Robinson’s time at rehearsal goes pretty well. It helps her improve and appreciates the feedback from the cast. She likes her character because it makes her feel important since she’s one of the main characters in the play. 

“I think everyone fits their characters in a way to an extent. There’s a bit of everyone in their character especially as we continue to rehearse,” Robinson said. 

The most difficult part Abby experiences is remembering my lines but, also struggling with projecting her voice because she’s a bit quiet so if she’s not confident right away it begins to show through her voice and how she projects it. 

“My favorite part is performing it,” she said. “It’s fun to be someone different and see how people come out of their comfort zones. The best part is putting on the show itself.” 

Minea Softic (10th)  plays the “It” girl of this show, Sherly “Cherry” Valance. Cherry is the beautiful redhead introduced as a fierce, no-tolerance-for-idiocy girl in the first act of the play. Her being the girlfriend of the Soc Bob Sheldon. 

“I didn’t try out for the play,” Softic said. “I happened to be in TLT when Barfield was holding auditions and she asked me to read for her so I did. I like my part and am happy I got it since it was one of the most sought roles.” 

Minea was shocked when she heard she got cast. She was beyond nervous because she didn’t know if she would do good with knowing how to act and portray body language but, it started to get easier as time went on. To help with memorization Softic goes over her lines by repeating in her head. 

“I dislike when I get criticism though,” Softic said. “I’m a perfectionist and so when I mess out and get corrected I start to overthink, stress, and become frustrated but, I know it’s needed so I try not to take it to heart.” 

Softic is excited for everyone to come to see the amazing work they have done even though there is still a need for improvement, she’s positive that when it’s showtime everyone will be on their A-game.

The Outsiders: The Play will be performed in room 103 Hancock Place High School, 223 W. Ripa at 7:00 pm on November 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, 2024.