“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.”

It’s one of the most iconic lines in young adult literature, and this season, the Mount St. Mary Academy Drama Club is bringing S.E. Hinton’s timeless story to the stage! Our upcoming production of The Outsiders is 100% student-run—meaning everything from the acting and stage management to the set construction and sound design is completely led by students.

To give you a sneak peek into the process, we sat down with Lana, the talented MSM freshman stepping into the iconic lead role of Ponyboy Curtis.

Here is what she had to say about tackling a classic story, crying on stage, and the magic of a student-run show!

A Multi-Talented Lead

While Lana is only a freshman, she is no stranger to the stage or the field. At MSM, she is involved in dance class and the dance team. Outside of school, she stays incredibly busy with the Swing Choir at SJCI, helping out with middle school theater camps, and balancing athletics like soccer, track, and flag football.

So, what made this busy student athlete want to add a massive lead role to her plate?

“I love theater, and I knew that a student-run play would be different, and amazing,” Lana explains. Plus, she adds, “I love that theater is a great way to make new friends.”

Stepping into Ponyboy’s Shoes

For fans of the original novel and movie, Lana has great news: “This show is very true to the book and movie. It’s great how much it is the same.”

But staying true to the story means tackling some heavy, emotional moments. When asked about her favorite scene to perform, Lana doesn’t hesitate to point to one of the most heartbreaking moments of the play.

“The best scene to act is Johnny’s death scene,” she shares. “It’s amazing to act that scene. Crying on stage is emotionally charged!”

The Magic of a Student-Run Production

Because the students are in charge of every single detail, they get to make unique creative choices that elevate the show. Lana was particularly impressed by the work of her peers behind the scenes.

“Costuming is amazing, they look so accurate,” she notes. She also highlights a unique element the students brought to life: “We put together a great soundtrack, which you don’t always expect for a play/drama, but it ties the show together very well.”

Ultimately, the best part of the production isn’t just the final product—it’s the journey.

“The cast feels like a family, we are so close,” Lana says. “The process has brought us together and we have so much fun. Being at rehearsal is my favorite way to spend my time right now.”

Come See the Show!

We want to share this incredible, student-led experience with our entire community! Watching these dedicated students tackle themes of empathy, identity, and friendship is a fantastic way to experience the magic of live theater.

Come support Lana and the rest of the MSM Drama Club family as they bring this classic story to the stage.

• Where: Mount St. Mary Academy (3756 Delaware Ave. Kenmore, NY 14217)
• Show Dates & Times: March 27 & 28 @ 7 P.M.
• Tickets: General Admission – $15.00 | Student Ticket – $10.00
• Runtime: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes (plus a 10-minute intermission)

Get your tickets and learn more here: MSM Presents: The Outsiders

We can’t wait to see you in the audience! Stay gold!