The Outsiders, the show that won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical, is coming to the Hollywood Pantages Theatre from September 30 to October 18, 2026. Tickets are on sale now, and it’s the next brand-new Broadway title to hit the Pantages after Water for Elephants.
If you grew up with S.E. Hinton’s novel or the Coppola film, this is the stage version of that Tulsa-1967 world: Greasers, Socs, and a rumble that the production actually stages in the rain. Here’s the local’s read on it. Whether it’s worth your night, the one seat detail the ticket pages won’t tell you, whether to bring the kids, and how to get in for less.
At a glance
| Show | The Outsiders (2024 Tony winner, Best Musical) |
| Dates | September 30 to October 18, 2026 |
| Where | Hollywood Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd |
| Runtime | About 2 hours 30 minutes, one 15-minute intermission |
| Recommended age | 10 and up (under 5 not admitted; under 14 need an adult) |
| Tickets | On sale now through Broadway in Hollywood |
Is it actually worth it?
Short answer: yes, if you want a musical with real stakes instead of a jukebox singalong. The Outsiders is emotional, physical, and a little raw. It leans into the sad parts of the book rather than softening them, and the staging is the star, especially the second-act rumble, which is fought in staged rain and mud right there on the Pantages stage. It’s one of the most talked-about pieces of stagecraft to tour in the last couple of years.
Set your expectations, though. This is not a feel-good night out. It’s a story about grief, class, and violence, and the show treats it that way. If your ideal evening is bright and bouncy, Beauty and the Beast (playing the Pantages just before this) is more your speed. If you want to leave the theatre actually moved, The Outsiders is the stronger pick.
The one seat tip nobody mentions
Here’s the detail that isn’t on the official page or the ticket resellers, and it changes how you should buy.
Past the first few rows, the usual Pantages advice applies: center orchestra and the front of the mezzanine are the sweet spots for a show this scenic, because you want to take in the full stage picture, not just the actors’ faces. For the row-by-row breakdown, see our best seats at the Hollywood Pantages guide.
Is it OK to bring kids?
This one trips people up. The novel is taught in middle school, so parents assume the musical is kid-safe. It’s heavier than you’d expect.
My honest take: most kids 12 and up who’ve read the book will be fine and probably moved by it. For a sensitive 10 or 11-year-old, read the content notes first and decide, don’t assume “it’s a school book” means it’s gentle. This is a serious drama, not a family musical.
The cheapest way in
The Outsiders is a Broadway in Hollywood show, which means the cheap-ticket routes are different from the CTG venues down the street (no FreePlay here). Your two real shots at a deal:
- The digital lottery through the Broadway in Hollywood app, which opens for many of their runs.
- A day-of box-office rush, when the venue releases a limited number of lower-price seats.
Prices and windows are set per show and change, so confirm the exact numbers for The Outsiders before you count on them. Our full cheap LA theatre tickets guide and the lottery and rush cheat sheet walk through how each one works. Whatever you do, buy direct through Broadway in Hollywood or Ticketmaster, not a resale site charging double.
How to make it a smooth night
- Parking: the garages around the Pantages fill fast on a hot show. Our Pantages parking guide has the lots that are worth it and the getting-out trick.
- Dinner first: there’s good food a short walk away. See where to eat before a Pantages show.
- What else is on: if the dates don’t work, check the rest of the season on our what’s on in LA theatre hub, and see how The Outsiders stacks up against the other Broadway musicals in LA right now.
Double-check before you go: dates, showtimes, prices, and content advisories can change. Confirm the details on the official Broadway in Hollywood listing close to your date.
Frequently asked questions
When does The Outsiders play at the Pantages? September 30 to October 18, 2026, at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Showtimes vary by date, so check the calendar when you buy.
How long is the show? About 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Is The Outsiders appropriate for children? It’s recommended for ages 10 and up. Under 5 are not admitted, and under 14 need an adult. Be aware the show includes scenes of suicide, domestic abuse, and violence, plus strobe lights and haze, so preview the content for a younger or sensitive child.
Will I get wet in the front rows? Possibly. Within about 10 feet of the stage (the first few rows), the rumble scene can send water, washable red liquid, and small rubber particles into the seats. Sit back a few rows if you want to stay dry.
What’s the cheapest way to get tickets? Try the Broadway in Hollywood app digital lottery or a day-of box-office rush. Prices are set per show, so confirm the current numbers, and always buy direct rather than through a resale site.
