“The Outsiders” by Joliet Drama Guild

S.E. Hinton wrote The Outsiders when she was only sixteen, choosing to publish under her initials so boys would take her writing seriously. While the story’s events are fictional, the emotions, struggles, and relationships reflect real life. The novel (and play) follows Ponyboy Curtis, a sensitive Greaser who must navigate class conflict between the Greasers (the poorer kids) and the Socs (wealthier kids).

Through fights, friendships, and tragedy, Ponyboy learns that everyone—rich or poor—faces challenges and that there’s goodness (gold) in youth and innocence, even if it doesn’t last forever. Admission is $25 per person.