Emma Hearn plays Cherry Valance, an iconic role and one of the leads in the Tony Award-winning musical “The Outsiders.” It plays Boston’s Citizen Opera House March 31 — April 12.
The musical is based on the 1983 film that starred a young Ralph Macchio, Tom Cruise, Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe, among others. Stages recently caught up with Hearn to talk about the show and touring. Here’s that interview.
STAGES: Briefly explain what “The Outsiders” is about.
EH: “The Outsiders “ Is a coming-of-age story told through the lens of Ponyboy Curtis, a 14-year-old living in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1967. Ponyboy searches for his voice as a young person while he tries to make sense of the cards he’s been dealt, in the middle of a class divide between the Greasers and the Socs. Through a series of extraordinary events, our story explores themes of brotherhood, community, chosen family and the lengths you’ll go for the people you love.
STAGES: Describe your character and the interaction with the other characters in the show.
EH: I play Cherry Valance, a Soc, whose story collides with Ponyboy’s at the drive-in one night. Their unexpected friendship shifts their initial assumptions about how the other half lives and offers that, perhaps, they’re more alike than they are different. At their cores, they both wish to be understood and seen for who they truly are. It softens them to the idea that maybe there could be a world beyond the Greasers and the Socs.
STAGES: Do you like touring? What are you looking forward to seeing while in Boston?
EH: I really enjoy touring, but It’s not for the faint of heart moving to a new city every week and constantly adapting to new environments. However, bringing this story across the country is some of the most rewarding work as an actor. People of all generations have a touch point for this story, whether they read the book in school, watched the movie growing up, or saw the Broadway production (or all the above)! It’s a gift to be a part of this beloved story’s legacy and to sprinkle some of that magic across the United States.
STAGES: Why should people come see this production?
EH: Whether you love theatre or you’ve never seen a show before, there’s something for everyone in this production. Our director, Danya Taymor, choreographers, Rick and Jeff Kuperman, and designers have made this a visually jaw-dropping experience to witness, paired with the oh-so-beautiful Folk/Americana style music by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine. I promise, you won’t leave disappointed!
STAGES: Anything else you want to add?
EH: Boston was the last city I played on my previous tour of “Cats” in 2020, so I’m very much looking forward to being back at the beautiful Citizens Opera House in Boston. For tickets and show times visit www.BroadwayInBoston.com.
Nancye Tuttle’s email address is [email protected]
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