'The Outsiders' is coming to South Shore

The classic story of rich versus poor is about to be told at East Bay High School, when its theatre department presents "The Outsiders" on Thursday through Saturday.

Based on the book by SE Hinton, the drama centers around Ponyboy Curtis, a teenager struggling to deal with a society he feels casts him as an outsider.

Ponyboy is a member of the Greasers, a group of kids from the wrong side of the tracks that clashes with the Soc's, a clique of rich teenagers.

"The storyline is incredibly intriguing, and its message universal," said Krista Pelham-Taylor, drama production teacher and director. "We still have closed groups of kids in high school today. Even though we continue to find so much that divides us, there's really not much that should separate us."

Sophomore Brian McKeithan, 16, plays Ponyboy.

"This is my first big role," he said. "As an actor, I've had to express more emotional depth to play this character. It's made me expand my horizons."

Pelham-Taylor said she hopes area residents will turn out in force to see the play.

"We have so many talented teens doing amazing work here. They go to school, have part-time jobs and are applying for college, yet they still make time to perform.

"It's an incredible feeling to look into the audience and see strong community support."

East Bay drama students received four superior rankings at the District 9 thespian competition in December.

"That's not an easy thing to do," Pelham-Taylor said.

East Bay High School's Kathryn Hill Auditorium is at 7710 Old Big Bend Road, Gibsonton. All performances of the two-act play are at 7 p.m.

Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students; groups of 10 or more receive the student discount. Free dessert and coffee will be served at intermission.

For further information, call (813) 671-5134, Ext. 271.

Ponyboy: Brian McKeithan

Johnny: Donavan Rosa

Bob: Taylor Evans

Randy: Ivan Saffold

Dallas: Joey Hedrick

Two-Bit: John Moore

Darry: Dan Miller

Sodapop: Dylan Barnes

Sandy: Genesis Whittle

Cherry: Gabby Taylor

Marcia: Micki Ilyes

Mrs. Syme/Mrs. O'Bryant: Tiffany Rodriguez

Jerry: Asasia Richardson

Paul/Doctor: Hayden Rice

Nurse: Cali Lackore

Stage manager: Annalisa Rojas