CHS theater to perform 'The Outsiders'

Creston High theater students will take the stage this weekend for their adaptation of “The Outsiders.”

Creston’s performance is based on the book “The Outsiders” written by S.E. Hinton in 1967. The plot is about a Ponyboy Curtis, 14. Ponyboy is part of a gang called the Greasers, who are known for the trouble they cause. The novel follows Ponyboy as his life gets thrown off course after a rival gang, the Socs, beat him and one of his friends up. The story emphasizes on family, friendship, class conflict and loyalty. A movie of the same name and plot was released in 1983.

Performances will be held 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the high school auditorium.

Set in 1960s Oklahoma, The Greasers gang members are typically from less fortunate families. The Socs (pronounced “soshs”) gang members are from the other side of the socio-economic scale. Creston senior Sam Duncan takes the lead with Ponyboy. His brothers are Darry (Malachi Webber) and Sodapop (Cash Abildtrup). Creston director Laura Granger said the production has multiple story lines including how the brothers interact with each other. Pony relies on Johnny (Carson Beer) as his friend.

Granger said the production may not be for all as there are references to alcohol consumption and physical violence. Because of the violence she suggested youth younger than 11 may not be comfortable viewing. To make those fight scenes more realisitic, Granger said the actors were trained by fight choreographers to enhance those parts of the play.

“It really adds to the performance,” Granger said how the students used the training. Granger said this production will also have more sound and special effects than in past productions. A haze machine will also be used during the performance.

Some students have multiple roles. Cast includes, with main character: Marcia (Alexis Bendt); Jerry (Christian White); Mr. Syme (Dravin Drake); Dallas (James Franklin); Doctor (Khai Nguyen); Mrs. O’Briant (Kiya Capson); Paul (Kylor Budrow); Sandy (Lily Seaton); Nurse (Lizzy Sprague) and Cherry (Savannah Jaques); Randy (Steven Bell); John’s mom (Summer Prentice); Bob (Tucker Rohrig) and Two-Bit (Wyatt Hitz).

Technical crew members are; CC Zachary, Carson Cooper, Dylan Dornack, Lehdyn Dresback, Violet Marcus and Zoe Ralston.

Tickets are available at the door but can only be paid with credit or debit cards. Cash will not be taken. Tickets can also be purchased at gobound.com and search for Creston.