'The Outsiders' set to open at Neuqua

You might want to slip a few Kleenex into an easily accessible pocket before taking your seat this weekend at Neuqua Valley High School's production of “The Outsiders.”

Director Aubrey Smith says the coming-of-age story, loosely based on the 1967 book by S.E. Hinton, is going to grab hold of the audience's emotions and not let go.

“There are some funny moments,” Smith says, “but I can guarantee you'll need some tissues. I'm all about the tears, man, I'm all about the tears.”

Set in 1965, “The Outsiders” is about two rival groups — separated primarily by their socio-economic backgrounds — called the Greasers and the Socs. Written by Hinton when she was just 18, it's been described as one of the best young adult novels of the past century.

Smith says just about every Neuqua student has read the story — “it's iconic in middle schools” — and can relate to the questions it raises about making decisions and the real meaning of family.

Smith, who is in his fourth year as an English teacher at Neuqua, directed the Naperville school's production of “The Wiz” last year and was looking for something this time that students could really wrap their arms around.

“Musicals are not my forte,” he says with a laugh. “I'm all about the underdog. But I also just want to tell a good story and to get kids involved in the show who maybe didn't know they have the acting bug.”

The cast of 15 onstage performers and more than a dozen members of the tech crew will demonstrate just how compelling that story is beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, and continuing through Saturday, Jan. 29, at the high school, 2360 95th St. Tickets are $11 for adults and $5 for students.

Smith cautions the show contains adult themes, and while the language is not going to make you blush, some characters smoke and carry switchblades.

Among those cast members is senior Liam Collins, who, in his very first show, plays one of the main characters, Dallas.

He says he long thought about trying out for a Neuqua production. When he heard about “The Outsiders” — and with the encouragement of some friends — he decided it was time to take the plunge.

“I couldn't tell you how excited I was,” he says. “It's one of the greatest decisions I've ever made in my life.”

Junior Justin Farmer, who plays Ponyboy, was a dancer in last year's production of “The Wiz” and now finds himself playing a lead role in the new show.

A member of the varsity golf team, he wasn't sure what it would be like onstage.

“There's a big difference between being a jock and a theater kid,” he says, “but I wouldn't trade these experiences for the world.”

Farmer admits some issues facing his character and the themes of the story ring true in his own life: “I have some of the same struggles.”

And, of course, he's got those mixed emotions almost all actors feel before opening night: excitement about seeing the curtain go up “and some little butterflies in my stomach.”

Smith feels a few of the butterflies himself but says he and his cast were working them out early this week as they went through their paces under the stage lights for the first time.

An English major at Morehouse College in Atlanta who minored in theater, Smith always has been interested in the stage.

“I'm very passionate about theater,” he says.

He's also not afraid to be a little tough on his cast and crew — the cliched tough guy with the heart of gold.

“I'm looking for excellence and always pushing them to give a better performance,” he says. “Sometimes they cry and they walk away and then they come back. By the end, though, the light bulb comes on.”

Collins says that approach has worked for him.

“He's a great leader,” he says of Smith. “He is hard, but he's compassionate. He puts himself in your shoes.”

Both Farmer and Collins say they're ready to step into the spotlight, ready to see whether the story really moves you, ready to make you reach for those easily accessible tissues.

“I've had a glimpse of what it will be like,” Collins says. “The adrenaline rush is just pushing through you. You can't believe it.”

If you go

<b>What:</b>“The Outsiders”

<b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Jan. 27-29

<b>Where: </b>Neuqua Valley High School auditorium, 2360 95th St., Naperville

<b>Tickets: </b> $11 for adults, $5 for students

<b>Info:</b> nvhs.ipsd.org