| A worn story but thoughtfully devised on the levels that count. The roots-oriented, Americana score is apposite and often, especially in its more pensive registers, lovely. The choreography mostly remains related to the period being depicted—a signal achievement these days—and it’s plainly dynamic. The size and sweep of it is neither indulgent nor self consciously gestural. But, above all, the show is thoughtfully staged throughout; it has an integrative scheme that well serves the material and showcases the sympathetic and compelling young cast. THE OUTSIDERS is appreciably not an assault; it doesn’t come for you. Instead, you move towards it. And even as it’s entirely familiar, it seems fresh, which is, after all, the gist of adolescent experience. |
