Drama has always been central to St. Paul’s mission to create well-rounded individuals. From the earliest of Jesuit schools envisioning drama to teach morality, to the elaborate sets of the 1980s, to the rise from the pandemic hiatus, those involved in SPHS drama are part of a tradition that stretches back generations. Since COVID-19, St. Paul’s has produced four plays: Shakespeare at SPHS, 13 Past Midnight, The Wizard of Oz, and The Odyssey.

As we begin this next school year, the Dramatic Society has been at work rehearsing for their next piece. Thus, it is with pleasure that we announce that this year’s Winter dramatic production is The Outsiders.

Many of you will remember The Outsiders as the book which you were forced to read in Grade 7 or 8 ELA. Centring on a family in gang-gripped Tulsa, the story explores friendship, violence, and class through a tale of struggle and resilience. Our protagonist, young Ponyboy Curtis, is a 14-year-old member of the Greasers, the working-class gang in the city. After a violent class with the Socs, the rival gang, one is left dead, forcing Ponyboy to flee the city with his friend Johnny. In this exile, Ponyboy discovers the importance of family, friendship, and wonder for the world.

This year’s play features many long-time members of St. Paul’s Drama. Owen Taylor and Isaac Lavitt, who have featured in all St. Paul’s productions since the pandemic, will be playing Ponyboy and Johnny respectively. Also in Grade 12, Steven Kosa will be playing fellow Greaser Two-Bit, and Daniel Stipanovic will be playing the doctor in the hospital scene. Ponyboy’s brothers Darry and Sodapop will be Keenan Patterson and Drayton Perrault, and Lewis Vanesse will perform as Dallas Winston, a battle-hardened Greaser with a troubled past. Socs will be performed by Sammy Larson and Derek Barrientos, with a supporting cast of many others. SMA students Maria Sophia Naba and Sophia Santa-Brygga will perform female roles along with St. Paul’s student Maury Lavitt. This main cast will be complemented by over 20 supporting actors.

Behind the scenes, stage crew is designing and building the sets under Mr. Sterner’s guidance. The costumes are designed by Ms. Ridley and Mme. Toutant, with help from Owen Taylor. Acting is directed by Ms. Walker and fight sequences by Mr. Daman.

To support our actors, take part in a century-old tradition, or just have an entertaining evening, pick up your tickets online for December 5, 6, or 7.

Stay Gold.