THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton, adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel
Western Reserve Playhouse presents the timeless & deeply human THE OUTSIDERS by S.E. Hinton, adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel
Directed by Sullivan Ratcliff, The Outsiders honors S.E. Hinton’s groundbreaking novel with a faithful, emotionally resonant adaptation that places intergenerational struggles and universal themes of identity, belonging, and humanity at its center.
The Outsiders follows Ponyboy Curtis (played by Mason Furth); a bright, sensitive teen navigating a bitter 1960s class divide alongside the timeless struggle of adolescence. When a violent confrontation between the Greasers and the Socialites forces Ponyboy and Johnny (Mayela Lucia Squires) to flee town, the two must confront the weight of what’s happened, the fear of what comes next, and the question of who they want to become. SergeI’s adaptation brings Hinton’s characters to life with emotional clarity, inviting audiences into a world where every choice feels intimate and personal, with most of the violence occurring offstage—making the piece accessible for both parents and teens.
This production stars WRP newcomer Mason Furth as Ponyboy Curtis, alongside Mayela Lucia Squires as Johnny, who was last seen in Summer 2025 as the dancer, Jackie, in The Wild Party. The cast is rounded out by an intergenerational group of newcomers and returnees: Julio Mirelez as Sodapop, Steven Hemminger as Darry, Paul Means as Dallas, Aiden Mills as Two-Bit, Isabel Valega as Sandy, Natalie Joritz as Cherry, Nathan Aparicio as Bob, Leah Herman as O’briant, Casey McCann as Doctor, Ava Mendlik as Nurse, Isaac Bauman as Paul, and Grace Hovest as Soc.
Behind the scenes, the production is led by a regular WRP actor in Sullivan Ratcliff (Rumors, The Graduate, Baskerville, Second Shepherd’s Pageant), who is making his directorial debut at the barn. Rounding out the production team is Stage Manager Rebekah Mallory, Tech Director Dan Hunsicker, Light Designer Wittman Sullivan, Set Designer Carolyn Todd, and Costume Designer Jessica Learoyd.
This production also highlights one of Western Reserve Playhouse’s defining initiatives: its comprehensive Multi-Generational Production Protocol, a formal safety and mentorship framework unique in Northeast Ohio. Designed to support minors and adults working side-by-side, the protocol outlines clear reporting hierarchies, privacy protections, training requirements, safe rehearsal structures, and professional standards that ensure a respectful, secure, and uplifting environment for participants of all ages.
Thanks to generous support from the Bath Community Fund, a fund of the Akron Community Foundation, this production takes place in WRP’s newly upgraded 97-seat layout, providing improved accessibility and audience experience throughout our historic barn venue.
The Outsiders opens March 20th and runs through April 4th at Western Reserve Playhouse, 3326 Everett Road in Bath, Ohio. A pre-show reception will take place prior to the March 21st performance, with a $5 optional drink add-on available before the show. Tickets are on sale now. Seating is limited in this intimate historic venue.
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois.
Event Links
Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/3480970-0
Website: https://go.evvnt.com/3480970-2
