Wantagh High School will stage its first live theatrical performance in more than a year and a half with “The Outsiders.” Audiences are welcome to see the show in person, with four viewings from Nov. 19-21.
The lead actors are Anthony Lerro as Ponyboy and Riley Wood as Johnny. Portraying characters from the Greaser Gang are Trinity Bokelmann as Two-Bit, Sam Darr as Cherry, Joey Labo as Sodapop, Ava Padula as Dallas and Aidan Schroh as Darry. Kimberly Davis is the director, John Vaiano is the technical director supervising the stage and lighting crews and Courtney Prestianni serves as business manager.
The high school cast includes 37 student-actors along with 20 members of the stage crew. Additionally, 60 elementary students will appear on stage – 15 per show – as the schoolchildren who are saved from a burning church.
Ms. Davis said she selected “The Outsiders” because it is a story the students are familiar with, as they read it in eighth grade. She also said that it is a great coming-of-age story and very relatable to the teenage actors who get to play characters their own age.
Riley, a ninth grader, said he is excited to have such a prominent role in his first high school show, after acting in several middle school shows. Ava, also a freshman, was thrilled to land the role of Dallas, her favorite character from the book.
“I get to see the world from a different perspective in this role,” she said. “I’m so thankful that I’ve been given this opportunity.”
Now a senior, Joey has been in every show since middle school and actually got his acting start in fourth grade. After last year’s virtual show, he is looking forward to performing again in front of a live crowd, because the connection with the audience is an important part of theater.
Aidan, a senior, was glad “The Outsiders” was chosen as this year’s play because everyone can relate to the themes of family and friendship.
“It’s a story that connects with a lot of people,” he said. “I think people will really like our production.”
Show times are Friday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and senior citizens, and can be purchased at the door or in advance at seatyourself.biz/wantaghms.