5 Shocking Reasons Angelina Jolie Is Producing Broadway's 'The Outsiders' Musical

Angelina Jolie has made a stunning pivot in her illustrious career, stepping away from the big screen spotlight to take on the role of a lead producer for the critically acclaimed Broadway musical, *The Outsiders*. As of today, December 18, 2025, this project is not just a passing venture but a deeply personal and professional commitment that has captivated the theatre world and offers a fresh perspective on the classic S.E. Hinton novel. This deep dive reveals the compelling reasons and latest updates behind her involvement in one of the most talked-about productions on the Great White Way. The news of Jolie's involvement, which began with the Broadway-aimed production and continued through its successful opening on April 11, has been a major headline, highlighting her passion for stories that resonate with youth and address themes of marginalization and community. She has called it a "privilege" to produce the show, emphasizing its extraordinary impact and timeless message.

Angelina Jolie: A Biographical Shift from Screen Icon to Broadway Powerhouse

While the world knows Angelina Jolie as an Oscar-winning actress and dedicated humanitarian, her work on *The Outsiders* marks a significant evolution in her professional profile, shifting her focus to behind-the-scenes storytelling and production.

• Full Name: Angelina Jolie Voight
• Date of Birth: June 4, 1975
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Notable Acting Roles: *Girl, Interrupted* (Academy Award win), *Lara Croft: Tomb Raider*, *Maleficent*, *Mr. & Mrs. Smith*.
• Directorial Debut: *In the Land of Blood and Honey* (2011)
• Humanitarian Work: Former Special Envoy for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), focusing on refugee crises and conservation efforts.
• Current Producer Role: Lead Producer for *The Outsiders* Broadway Musical.
• Upcoming Projects (2025): Starring in the French drama film *Couture*, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, and a new gangster movie.

This move into Broadway production is not merely a celebrity endorsement; it’s a calculated choice to champion a narrative that aligns perfectly with her long-standing advocacy for marginalized voices. The themes of the *The Outsiders*—socioeconomic division, loyalty, and finding your place—are a natural extension of her global work.

The Outsiders Musical: A Story of Greasers, Socs, and Timeless Relevance

The musical adaptation of S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel, *The Outsiders*, is the core of Jolie's current professional focus. The story, set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, follows the rivalry between two teenage gangs: the working-class "Greasers" and the wealthy "Socs." The production has garnered significant attention for its raw, emotional portrayal of the classic tale, adapted by a creative team including book writer Adam Rapp and music/lyrics by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine. Director Danya Taymor has been praised for bringing a visceral, dynamic energy to the stage.

Why Angelina Jolie Championed This Specific Story

Jolie's decision to join the producing team was deeply intentional, rooted in the book's enduring message. She has openly discussed the impact the novel had on her and her family.

The musical explores profound themes that remain startlingly relevant in the modern world:

• Socioeconomic Inequality: The stark division between the Greasers and the Socs highlights the systemic issues of poverty and privilege.
• The Definition of "Family": The bond between the Greasers, especially the Curtis brothers (Ponyboy, Sodapop, and Darry), showcases how chosen family can provide essential support and identity.
• Empathy and Understanding: The famous line, "Stay gold, Ponyboy," is a call to preserve innocence and see beyond surface-level judgments, a message Jolie finds crucial for today's youth.

Jolie stated that the story of the "outsider" is one she has always connected with, making her involvement feel less like a career move and more like a personal mission to bring this powerful narrative to a new generation. Her role as a lead producer involves not just financial backing, but also creative input and advocacy for the show's message.

A Unique Family Affair: Angelina and Vivienne Jolie's Collaboration

One of the most heartwarming and unique aspects of the production is the mother-daughter collaboration. Angelina Jolie is credited as a lead producer, while her daughter, Vivienne Jolie, has been working on the production as a producer's assistant. This joint effort has been a source of immense pride for Jolie, who noted that working on *The Outsiders* with Vivienne strengthened their bond. Vivienne's initial interest in the musical—after seeing its world premiere at the La Jolla Playhouse—was a key factor in convincing her mother to join the production team.

The collaboration highlights:

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• Shared Passion: A mutual love for the source material and its themes.
• Mentorship: Jolie providing her daughter with hands-on experience in the world of professional theatre production.
• Generational Connection: The involvement of a young adult like Vivienne ensures the musical's message resonates authentically with a contemporary audience.

Jolie has expressed her hope that the musical will inspire young people to find their voice and understand the struggles of others, an intention she is clearly passing down through her own family's involvement.

The Outsiders' Explosive Success and North American Tour

The Broadway production has been a critical and commercial success, a testament to the power of the source material and the quality of the adaptation. The show features a talented cast, including Brody Grant as Ponyboy Curtis, Sky Lakota-Lynch, and Emma Pittman, all of whom celebrated the triumphant opening night. The momentum is not slowing down. The musical is now set to embark on a major North American tour, which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, October 8. This expansion is a significant step, allowing the story of the Greasers and Socs to reach audiences across the continent. Angelina Jolie has been vocal about the tour, calling the show "extraordinary" and emphasizing its profound impact on those who see it. The decision to produce a musical, rather than a film, allows for an immediate, intimate connection with the audience, something Jolie clearly values. By bringing *The Outsiders* to a wider stage through the tour, she is ensuring that the themes of community, empathy, and the struggle of those on the margins continue to be discussed and celebrated by theatregoers everywhere. Her commitment solidifies her status not just as a Hollywood icon, but as a serious and influential figure in the world of live theatre production.