The Outsiders Unveils The Coterie Theatre’s 33rd Season 9/13-10/14

The Outsiders,S.E. Hinton's classic coming-of-age tale, unveils the Coterie Theatre's 33rd Season September 13 through October 14, at the Coterie Theatre, Level 1 Crown Center Shops. Set in the ‘60s, the production was adapted for the stage by Christopher Sergel and directed by Jeff Church.

The Outsiders is the story of Ponyboy Curtis who belongs to a lower-class group of Oklahoma youths who call themselves Greasers in 1965. Walking home from a movie, Ponyboy is attacked by a group of Socs, short for Socials, and a rival gang that threaten to cut him. So begins an impactful tale by S.E Hinton, who wrote this landmark work as a teen in Tulsa.

"From the moment S.E. Hinton's novel is read by a young person, it feels authentic - and that's because she wrote it at age 16! Even after all of these years, it remains one of the most read books by seventh and eighth graders in this country," said Jeff Church, Coterie producing artistic director and director of the large cast production. "I have always liked the theme of this piece: Ponyboy (the main character) realizes that pain and grieving feels the same whether you are a 'Greaser' or a 'Soc.' It's a true coming-of-age tale."

Every Friday night after The Outsiders there will be a free Something Fun experience: Audiences may enjoy an Opening Night reception, a comedy spoof by the Coterie's teen comedy troupe ("The Culture Hacks"), a photograph session with the cast, or an Outsiders trivia challenge. The event will change each week.

The Outsiders is the first production in the Coterie's Preteen/Young Adults Series and is funded in part by the Missouri Arts Council (MAC) and the ArtsKC Fund.

ABOUT THE COMPANY
"What a cast of young greats in the Coterie's The Outsiders," Church said. "All of Kansas City's powerhouse young actors are assembled in this production, much like Coppola did in his movie in the 1983. It's a true event to see this story on the Coterie stage."

The talented cast includes (in alphabetical order): Zach Andrews, Doogin Brown, Kyle Dyck, Brian Gehrlein, Matthew Leonard, Skyy Moore, Tosin Morohunfola, Brodie Rush, Jeff Smith, Laura Sudduth, Scott Swayze, Wilson Vance, Hughston Walkinshaw, Meredith Wolfe and Cathy Wood.

The artistic and production company includes Jeff Church (director), Georgianna Buchanan (costume design), Jordan Janota (set design), David Kiehl (sound design), Ron Megee (props), Matt Rapport (fight choreographer), Scott Hobart (technical director), Amy Owen (production stage manager) and Melody Butler (assistant director).

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
The Coterie Theatre, now in its 33nd Season and named "One of the Five Best Theaters for Young Audiences in the U.S." by TIME magazine, is located on level one of Crown Center Shops in Kansas City, Mo.The Outsiders performsSeptember 13 - October 14 Tuesdays through Sundays.

Opening Night September 16 audiences are invited to a free post-performance reception with director and cast members. Free question and answer sessions about the show and "how it's done" will take place after the 2 p.m.performances September 17 and 18. In addition, links to the Coterie Viewtube series for The Outsiders for enhancing the theatre experience is posted on the Coterie website.

Individual Tickets are $15 for adults; $10 for all children, students and seniors age 60 and up; $9 for Season Ticket holders. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more. Tickets may be purchased online at www.coterietheatre.org or by calling the Coterie box office (816) 474-6552 from10 a.m. to 4 p. m. Monday through Friday.TARGET Saturdays: Free ticketwith purchase and one free copy of The Outsiders book; restrictions apply; not available online

NOTABLE DATES
September 16, Opening Night: Free post-performance reception with director and Company
September 17 & 18, Q&A: Free post-performance question and answer session with the Company
September 23, 30 & October 7, Something Fun Friday Night!: A free post-performance event that may be an opportunity to meet the cast, tour the stage, enjoy a comedy spoof or Outsiderst rivia. Event will change with each performance.
September 17, 24 & October 1, 8, TARGET Saturdays: Free ticketwith purchase; restrictions apply; not available online.
October 1: Interpreted performance in American Sign Language

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