The greasers take over the SCHS theatre as the drama department stages the classic coming-of-age novel “The Outsiders”  – except with a twist. A mostly female cast will be playing the original male roles.

As the legions of students who have read this novel in middle school know, “The Outsiders” follows the story of an Oklahoma gang, the Greasers, who have conflicts with a rival group called the Socs, because of their differing social classes and lifestyles.

Since not enough males auditioned for the play, theatre teacher and director, Angelo Reyes, decided to have females play those roles. He took inspiration from an all-female performance of “The Outsiders” he saw in Burlingame.

“The female cast will give hints of each cast member’s personalities, while still maintaining the original written characteristics,” said senior Cecilia Subia, who will play the main character, Ponyboy Curtis.

Regardless of the gender role switch, the original storyline and plot will stay the same. The only difference will be in the gender terms, which will be switched so that the story make sense, Reyes said.

Reyes wants the drama department’s staging of “The Outsiders” to send a message about loyal friendships, while proving that females can play any role.

Subia agreed.  “It is very daring, but I know that we can do it and pull it off because I believe that the roles can be gender-neutral,” Subia said.

“The Outsiders” will hit the stage Nov. 12, 14, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m. in the SCHS theatre. General admission tickets are $8, student tickets are $5.