More than 50 years after its publication, “The Outsiders” continues to resonate with audiences, proving that S.E. Hinton’s coming-of-age classic hasn’t lost any of its emotional power.
Act Out Theatre Company will bring the beloved novel to the stage from July 24 to August 1 at McGaugh Elementary Auditorium, inviting Long Beach residents to revisit the story of Ponyboy Curtis and the unforgettable Greasers.
Set against the backdrop of a divided community, “The Outsiders” follows Ponyboy as he navigates the bitter conflict between the working-class Greasers and the affluent Socs.
After a tragic confrontation, Ponyboy and his friends must grapple with loyalty, identity, and boundless grief.
Originally published in 1967 when Hinton was just 16 years old, “The Outsiders” has become a cornerstone of young adult literature, connecting with generations of readers through its honest portrayal of adolescence.
Its enduring popularity has inspired Francis Ford Coppola’s beloved 1983 film adaptation, countless stage productions, and, most recently, a Tony Award-winning Broadway musical.
Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation preserves the novel’s emotional core while tapping into the intimacy and immediacy of live theatre.
“This is a play about young people who are not yet hopeless,” Sergel wrote on the Dramatic Publishing website.
That simple observation captures what has made “The Outsiders” endure.
Act Out Theatre Company is presenting the production with three separate casts, allowing multiple groups of young performers to bring these iconic, empathetic characters to life.
For more information, head to actoutlb.com.
‘Claypool Gold’
Les Claypool has never been content to stick with just one band, one sound, or one identity.
This weekend, the legendary bassist brings all of his creative worlds together with “Claypool Gold,” an ambitious concert experience at F&M Bank Amphitheater of Long Beach that unites Primus, Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade, and The Claypool Lennon Delirium on a single bill.
Rather than presenting three separate concerts, “Claypool Gold” is designed as a fluid, immersive evening celebrating the full spectrum of Claypool’s career.
Expect music from all three projects, unexpected collaborations, evolving setlists, and the kind of musical spontaneity that has become Claypool’s trademark.
Primus comes to the Long Beach Amphitheater on Friday, July 3 as part of Claypool Gold, a tour that includes three bands founded by bassist-singer Les Claypool, seen here center with guitarist Larry LaLonde, left, and drummer Jeff Hoffman, right. (Photo by Danny Miller)
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Primus comes to the Long Beach Amphitheater on Friday, July 3 as part of Claypool Gold, a tour that includes three bands founded by bassist-singer Les Claypool, seen here center with guitarist Larry LaLonde, left, and drummer Jeff Hoffman, right. (Photo by Danny Miller)
For many rock fans, Primus remains Claypool’s defining act. Since emerging from California’s alt music scene in the late 1980s, the band has built a devoted following with its unmistakable blend of funk, progressive rock, heavy metal, and absurdist humor.
Songs like “Jerry Was a Race Car Driver” and “My Name Is Mud” have become staples, while Claypool’s unmistakable bass playing has influenced generations of musicians.
The evening also showcases two of Claypool’s most intriguing side projects. The Fearless Flying Frog Brigade embraces improvisation, psychedelic jams, and adventurous reinterpretations of classic rock, while The Claypool Lennon Delirium pairs Claypool with Sean Ono Lennon in a kaleidoscopic blend of psychedelic rock, progressive pop, and experimental songcraft.
Together, the three bands paint a remarkably complete portrait of one of rock’s most inventive minds.
Early stops on the “Claypool Gold” tour have generated enthusiastic reactions from longtime fans, many describing it as one of the strongest live experiences of Claypool’s career thanks to its expansive setlists and celebration of every facet of his musical legacy.
Luckily, tickets for this weekend are still available. Head to shorturl.at/x8jsN for more information.
Gaslamp
Neil Diamond may have retired from touring, but his music continues to fill concert halls thanks to Super Diamond, a long-running and highly celebrated tribute act.
The band brings its high-energy celebration of Diamond’s catalog to Gaslamp on Saturday, July 11 at 8 p.m., offering audiences an evening packed with singalong classics and nostalgic favorites.
Special guest If Elton Was a Woman opens the show with its own spin on another iconic artist.
Singer Neil Diamond, seen in Hollywood, Oct. 3, 1972, recorded the live album, “Hot August Night,” during a run of 10 shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in August 1972. (AP Photo)
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Singer Neil Diamond, seen in Hollywood, Oct. 3, 1972, recorded the live album, “Hot August Night,” during a run of 10 shows at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in August 1972. (AP Photo)
Formed in San Francisco more than three decades ago, Super Diamond has built a national reputation by, yes, impersonating Neil Diamond — but also adding a unique rock-and-roll edge that has earned praise from both devoted Diamond fans and younger audiences.
Their performances capture the spirit, energy, and charisma that made Diamond one of the most popular recording artists of all time.Audiences can expect to hear many of Diamond’s signature hits, including “Sweet Caroline,” “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “Song Sung Blue,” “Cherry, Cherry,” and “Forever in Blue Jeans,” songs that have become staples of American popular music and culture.
The evening also features If Elton Was a Woman, a tribute that reimagines the music of Elton John through higher vocals while celebrating the flamboyant showmanship and unforgettable melodies that have defined the artist’s career.
Together, the two acts hope to pay a fitting tribute to two of pop music’s most beloved songbooks.
For details, go to shorturl.at/7cRDJ.