“The Outsiders” emerged victorious at the 2024 Tony Awards, clinching the Best Musical title in a surprising win over Alicia Keys’ “Hell’s Kitchen.” The adaptation of S.E. Hinton’s 1967 novel, set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning four awards out of its 12 nominations. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in April, tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and the conflicts between rival gangs, the Greasers and the Socs.
Fans of “The Outsiders” gathered at The Outsiders House Museum in Tulsa to watch the ceremony and cheer on the nominees. Walter Jennings, a former teacher who used to read the book to his classes, attended the watch party and expressed his excitement for the musical’s success. “It’s gotten this much recognition for being a new play,” Jennings said.
The musical’s co-creator, Justin Levine, a previous Tony Award winner for “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” was nominated in the categories of Book, Score, and Orchestrations. Levine, a New York native, shared his love for the city and its diverse neighborhoods, highlighting his favorite spots in the Theater District.
Despite “Hell’s Kitchen” tying for the most nominations of the night with 13, it was “The Outsiders” that took home the final award at the Lincoln Center ceremony. The musical’s success is a testament to the enduring appeal of Hinton’s novel and its themes of friendship, loyalty, and the search for identity.
In addition to Best Musical, “The Outsiders” won awards for Best Direction, Best Lighting, and Best Sound. The production’s success at the Tony Awards is a significant achievement for the creative team and cast, who have worked tirelessly to bring the story to life on stage.
The night also saw other notable wins, including Jonathan Groff and Daniel Radcliffe for their performances in “Merrily We Roll Along,” which won Best Revival of a Musical. Jeremy Strong won his first Tony for “An Enemy of the People,” and Sarah Paulson took home Best Actress in a Play for her role in “Appropriate.”
Alicia Keys delivered one of the night’s most memorable performances, teaming up with Jay-Z for a rendition of their 2009 hit “Empire State of Mind.” The performance earned a standing ovation from the audience at David H. Koch Theater.
The 2024 Tony Awards marked the first time the ceremony was held at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater on the Upper West Side. Last year’s show took place at the United Palace in Washington Heights, bringing a distinctive change to a ceremony that has primarily taken place in Midtown.
Ariana DeBose hosted the Tonys for the third consecutive year, delivering an opening number that celebrated the resilience and creativity of the theater community. “Truth is told onstage every night and twice on matinee days,” DeBose said during her opening monologue. “In the most trying of times, art is imperative because art reflects society and provides context for the very real situations that we find ourselves in today.”
The success of “The Outsiders” at the Tony Awards is a significant milestone for the production and a testament to the enduring power of Hinton’s story. The musical’s recognition at the Tonys is a celebration of the hard work and dedication of the creative team, cast, and crew who have brought the story to life on stage.
As the theater community continues to recover and grow post-pandemic, the success of “The Outsiders” and other productions at the Tony Awards is a hopeful sign of the revitalization of Broadway. The diversity of the season and the original work being produced by talented artists and creators is a testament to the resilience and creativity of the theater community.
With its compelling story, memorable characters, and powerful themes, “The Outsiders” has captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. The musical’s success at the Tony Awards is a testament to the enduring appeal of Hinton’s novel and the timeless themes it explores. As the production continues to captivate audiences on Broadway, it is clear that “The Outsiders” will remain a beloved and influential work in the world of theater.
