Students Step Into the Spotlight with The Outsiders

The CDH Theater Department’s recent production of The Outsiders brought a story of friendship, struggle, and belonging to life on stage in the Lillian Theater. As the department’s third production of the year, the show ran from February 20 through March 1 and featured a talented group of students, including many who were stepping onto the stage for the very first time.

Directed by Cullen Wiley ’16, the production showcased the dedication and hard work of the students. Reflecting on the experience, Wiley described the production as especially meaningful because of the unique group that came together to bring the show to life. “The Outsiders was an awesome experience for so many reasons,” Wiley said. “Between a group of students who have never performed before, learning stage combat and bringing this iconic coming-of-age story to life, it was a really amazing experience.”

One of the most memorable elements of the show was its dynamic stage combat. To prepare for the story’s major fight scenes, the theater department brought in a professional fight choreographer to work with the cast. This training allowed students to perform safely while creating realistic and engaging moments on stage. Wiley noted that the effort paid off: “The stage combat was a hit (no pun intended)!” he said, explaining that it added an exciting element for both the cast and the audience.

The performances of the lead characters also stood out throughout the run. Actors Matthew Ek '28 as Ponyboy and Peter Nelesen '29 as Johnny Cade brought depth and dedication to their roles. According to Wiley, their commitment helped make the characters feel authentic and emotionally complex, making them perfect fits for the story’s central roles.

For many students, the production was also an opportunity to step outside their comfort zones and connect with new people. Henry Mallow ’26, who played Darry - the older brother of Ponyboy and Sodapop - described the experience as both exciting and welcoming. “It was awesome,” Mallow said. “It was a really great opportunity for me to make new friends. Everyone was so welcoming and helped make it way easier for me to try something new.” His advice to other students considering theater is simple: “Take the chance and try something new. You won’t regret it.”

Special thanks to Olivia Hoff '26 for the beautiful photos featured in this article.

Audiences can look forward to the department’s next production, The Little Mermaid, which will also take place in the Lillian Theater at CDH from May 1–10, 2026.