Cast members of Lima Christian’s production of The Outsiders are with fight choreographer J Simmons (fourth from the left in the front row). Photo by Bethany Warsaw
Many people might remember reading S.E. Hinton’s classic novel The Outsiders in a middle school, high school or college English class. The novel has been adapted for the stage and Lima Christian School students will be bringing its characters to life in the school’s drama production this weekend.
Performances will be held at the Honeoye Falls-Lima High School auditorium on Friday, November 22 and Saturday, November 23 with each show beginning at 7 p.m.
The Outsiders brings to life the story of two rival teenage groups, the Greasers and the Socs, in Oklahoma in the 1960s. Hinton’s novel captures the raw emotion and tension of growing up, which has resonated deeply with generations of teens. Both of the groups, the Greasers and the Socs, grapple with feeling like outsiders in their own worlds and the show, like the book, evokes themes of family, identity, and the search for belonging that many can relate to on a personal level. Although the story is gritty and can be challenging, it is ultimately a story of hope, resilience, friendship and self-discovery.
“It’s not an easy story, but it’s a wonderful chance to consider empathy and how to love people who are different than we are,” says Lima Christian artistic director Bethany Warsaw. “Lima Christian students extend an invitation to the community to join in this special evening of theatre that celebrates the impact of this literary classic. We especially encourage middle school and high school students who have read the book to attend one of the shows.”
The Lima Christian School Drama Club is excited to work with Rochester-based actor and theatre fight instructor J Simmons, who is choreographing the play’s intense fight scenes. Simmons brings years of experience in stage combat, ensuring that the pivotal moments of conflict between the Greasers and the Socs are portrayed with realism and safety. His expertise adds a dynamic layer to the production, highlighting the tensions central to the story while showcasing the students’ desire to tell an authentic story.
Helping the students with the show are Tom Warsaw as the Technical Director, Trina Settle with costumes, Jacob Tripp with lights and Kaylee Scott with sound. Cast members are Sarah Churnetski (Ponyboy Curtis), Anthony Hage (Darrell Curtis), Sam Parks (Sodapop Curtis), Owen McCarty (Two-Bit Mathews), Josh Lakra (Dallas Winston), Sophia Britton (Johnny Cade), Laurel LaBarca (Sandy), Gavin McCarty (Randy Adderson), David Dils (Bob Sheldon), DJ Brookins (Paul Holden), Jordyn Warsaw (Cherry Valance), Bekah Lakra (Marcia), Olivia Kennell (Gerry), Samantha Owens (Mrs. O’Briant), Jenna Warsaw (Doctor), Eden Settle (Nurse), Brielle Hammond (Mrs. Syme), Eden Falco (Johnny’s mom), Abigail Dils (Concession worker) and Laelynn Parsons, Ayla Falco, Gabby Kennell, Jesse Hammond and Isaac Lakra (Children in fire). On the stage crew are Caleb Warsaw, George Kimball, Sean Pfeif and Molly Teitsworth. Gavin McCarty is the student dramaturg and Jordyn Warsaw is the student director.
While many may not know what a dramaturg does, it can help with shows set in an historical time period.
“As the dramaturg for The Outsiders, I have researched the historical time period of the show and any terms in the script which were common then but which the actors might not know now, in order to help them understand what the message is that they’re trying to get across, and to also make the show as historically accurate as possible,” Gavin McCarty wrote in an email. “Sometimes, the director Mrs. Warsaw will ask me questions about certain specific things in the show, such as the type of gun one of the characters might use, or the common types of candy which would be sold at the movie theater. What I’ve liked best about being the dramaturg is I have gotten to learn more about the time period and also get to better understand an aspect of theater that is not as well known. It’s been a lot of fun to research the year 1967 and help make our production better.”
The show has resonated with the students.
“This story helps us realize that we’re not outsiders, no matter how much we feel like it sometimes,” says Jordyn Warsaw. “Even though things are tough all over, as Cherry says, we can still have hope when we face things together.”
Lima Christian produced the gripping drama Radium Girls last fall as its drama production and Seussical: The Musical as its musical last spring. The production of Seussical received several acknowledgements from the Rochester Broadway Theatre League’s Stars of Tomorrow program, including a nod for outstanding overall production. In March 2025, Lima Christian plans to perform the Broadway musical Anastasia as its spring musical.
The Outsiders is approximately two hours long. Tickets, which are $8 for students and $10 for adults, are available at the school office, at the door, or at seatyourself.biz/limachristian. For more information, call Lima Christian’s school office at 624-3841 or email dramalcs@gmail.com.
