The rumble is the reason people talk about this one: a slow-motion, mud-and-rain fight sequence with actual water falling onto the Jacobs stage, choreographed by Rick Kuperman and Jeff Kuperman and lit so that every impact reads. Around it, Danya Taymor's production gives the paperback everyone read at thirteen a genuinely muscular staging. If you want a big emotional gut-punch of a musical, this is the current title-holder.
What to expect
A dusty, physical staging with a folk-rock score by Jamestown Revival, a young male-heavy ensemble and one extended fight sequence performed in falling rain on a soaked stage. Expect fight choreography of unusual precision, several church-and-lot scenes played almost bare, and a final stretch that reliably breaks the room.
Good to know
- The Jacobs is on West 45th Street in the heart of the theatre block, minutes from Times Square.
- The rumble sequence uses real water; front-row patrons occasionally catch a little spray.
- The show contains violence, a death and a scene of serious injury; recommended for ages twelve and up.
- Teenagers who read the novel in school get the most out of it.
- Mid-orchestra or front mezzanine gives the clearest view of the fight staging.
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Common questions
Is it faithful to the novel?
Broadly yes. It follows Ponyboy Curtis, Johnny Cade and the Greaser-Soc conflict from S.E. Hinton's 1967 book, with some compression and a new folk-rock score.
Is there really rain onstage?
Yes. The rumble sequence is performed in falling water on a rain-soaked stage, which is one of the production's most talked-about effects.
Did it win Best Musical?
Yes, it won the 2024 Tony Award for Best Musical along with awards for direction, lighting and sound design.
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