Producer and Director Jonathan James and The Home Creative Co. are proud to announce the opening of THE OUTSIDERS, the immersive and thrilling adaptation of the classic story. The production will run from September 13 through October 13 at the Athenaeum Center in Chicago. Tickets are on sale now at https://athenaeumcenter.org/events/2024/the outsiders/.
You've read the book, you've seen the film, now immerse yourself in the world of THE OUTSIDERS like never before! The Home Creative Co. invites you to go back in time to Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s for this coming-of-age story told by fourteen-year-old Ponyboy Curtis. The youngest of the Greasers, Ponyboy struggles to find his place amongst his fellow outcasts. On the other side of town, the Socs seem to have it made. They jump Greasers for kicks to pass the time of their privileged lives. Cherry, a Soc, shares a connection with Ponyboy due to his sensitive nature and love of poetry, a connection that her boyfriend, Bob, will not accept. What ensues is a gut-wrenching story of love and loss that comes to a head with the unforgettable line, “Stay gold, Ponyboy.”
Reimagined for an intimate, immersive theater experience, Ponyboy, Johnny, and their gang of socially outcast Greasers come to life in this heartfelt production of THE OUTSIDERS!
Staying gold means not letting the hardships of the world tarnish your spirit. It means finding the child-like wonder and awe for the world that is inside all of us. It is seeing the beauty in the little things in life, so that no matter how dark the times may be, we can still appreciate the beauty of a sunrise or sunset. Is there a more important lesson to be learned than this? If you ask Johnny, he would tell you that it’s worth dying for. And I agree. – Jonathan James
Stay gold, Chicago.
James’ cast for THE OUTSIDERS features Liam Pietrzyk (Ponyboy Curtis), Julian Rus (Johnny Cade), Brick Zurek (Dallas Winston), Austin Kinser (Darryl Curtis), Jose Yantin Jr (Sodapop Curtist), Nick Pardo (Two-Bit Mathews), Jamie McCalister (Cherry Valance), Bob DiLeo (Bob Sheldon), Joshua Dizon (Randy Anderson), Olivia Kaye Da Silva (Marcia), and Valentina Mariucci (Sandy). Ensemble members are William Athow, Alastair Blevins, Kennedy Carlson, Brandon Guerrero, Michael Kelley, Ollie King, Pratik Mamtora, and Julie Utrup-O’Nan. Also joining the cast as understudies are Angela Cusmano, Michael Fosha, Alexander Garcia, Jonathan James, and Keaton Stewart.
THE OUTSIDERS will be directed by Jonathan James, with set design by Kathi Campbell and Mary Alice Benoit, sound design by Michael Incardone, costumes by Mary Alice Benoit, lighting design by Rick Keeley, movement choreography by Nick Pardo, fight choreography by Austin Kinser, and intimacy coordination by Taylor Benoit.
Follow The Home Creative Co. & Jonathan James’ production of THE OUTSIDERS on Instagram and Facebook #TheOutsidersCHI
ABOUT JONATHAN JAMES
Jonathan James is a Chicago-based vocal and acting coach, actor, musician, director, music director and producer having started in the industry at six years old. James has coached clients all over the country and world, many of whom work in the theater, film, and television industries and some whom you will see on the stage tonight. Most recently, one of his clients, George, won the 2024 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Award for Best Actor in a Musical and competed at the Jimmy Awards in New York City. Another client, Alexander Garcia, won a Heartstring Award for Most Meaningful Performance by a Young Person in a Male role for his portrayal of Jim Quinn in John Patrick Shanley's Prodigal Son. Jonathan served as the Youth Vocal and Acting Coach for Broadway in Chicago and Chicagoland Theatre Fund's production of Children of Eden at the Cadillac Palace. Some of JJ's most recent directing credits include directing Prodigal Son for Elgin Theater Company, which has been nominated for a Lou Award, and Independent Players' production of The Outsiders, the show now being transferred to the Athenaeum with a new team of producers . Two of James' favorite projects include music directing Point2Productions' Heathers and tick, tick...BOOM! James is the Music Director for the Fox River Trolley Museum's special events including their famous Polar Express, a gig James has been doing for over 15 years. James co-founded the Chicagoland Theatre Fund. Next summer he will be traveling to Cairo, Egypt and Beirut, Lebanon for several weeks to direct musicals and teach acting and vocal workshops.
ABOUT THE HOME CREATIVE CO.
The Home Creative Co. is a non-profit artistic theater and event organization based out of Elgin, Illinois. Founded in 2020, they produce full-scale musicals and plays. The Home exists not as a place or a person but as a community. We pride ourselves in being committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion while promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity. For each show, The Home ensures to bring the best community talent to the front of the stage while telling stories of the most importance to our communities today. Addressing social and cultural issues in artistic form, the power of storytelling present in each show ensures each audience member leaves with something more. Creating experiences and significance is what The Home strives for no matter the show.
Follow The Home Creative Co. on Instagram and Facebook.
BIOGRAPHIES OF THE CAST
Liam Pietrzyk – (Ponyboy Curtis) is excited for his Chicago debut as Ponyboy in The Outsiders after playing the role in the very successful Elgin run. He has acted in 14 productions, some of which were Prodigal Son (as Austin Schmidt) and Willy Wonka (as Charlie Bucket). Liam has been a part of theatre since he was 11, starting this journey in his private school. When not performing, Liam spends his time honing his acting skills in several acting classes each week as well as through private coaching with Jonathan James., He hopes you enjoy the show!
Julian Rus – (Johnny Cade) is excited to make his debut in a Chicago theater at no less than the historic Athenaeum Center. After playing “Two-Bit” Mathews in the Independent Players’ production of The Outsiders, Julian is honored to take on the role of Johnny Cade in the Chicago transfer. Between the Elgin run and Chicago transfer, Julian played Aaron Samuels in Mean Girls. Julian has absolutely fallen in love with acting, taking every opportunity he can get his hands on to perform and study acting. His training includes classes in improv, on-camera technique, Stanislavski, Meisner, Uta Hagen, and Method acting. He also studies privately with his acting and vocal coach, Jonathan James. He wants to thank his mom and dad, his friends and all those who came to support him in the show! He is grateful for this incredible opportunity to once again be working with this incredibly talented cast and his dedicated and talented coach/director, Jonathan for the Chicago transfer. He hopes you enjoy watching the show as much as he does performing in it!
Brick Zurek – (Dallas Winston) is making their Athenaeum debut with The Outsiders. They previously appeared in You Can't Take it With You (Tony Kirby) and The Importance of Being Earnest (Jack Worthing). They have spent the past year taking classes at the Acting Studio of Chicago. They are very excited to be working with such an amazing cast and crew for their Chicago debut, and hope that you find the story of The Outsiders as meaningful as they have.
Austin Kinser – (Darryl Curtis) is a United States Marine Corps combat Veteran turned filmmaker, and is ecstatic to be returning to live theatre after a hiatus while serving his country. Growing up in community theater, Austin has a long history and list of credits on the stage. Spending the last decade completing 5 years of active duty, with 2 combat deployments to Iraq and Syria, Austin immersed himself in the film industry upon returning to Chicago. Austin now enjoys working on projects under his own film production brand, Holy Smokes Media, where his primary focus is as a director and producer. Working on this project was a blast and he can't wait to bring this story to life with the rest of the cast.
Jose Yantin Jr – (Sodapop Curtis) is excited to make his debut on the Athenaeum stage. Born and Raised in Chicago Illinois, Jose studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles California and studied with John Markland at the Markland Studio in Los Angeles California. He recently starred as Lucentio in the Grove Players production of Taming Of The Shrew, Lars Hovstad in a AADA production of Paragon Springs an adaptation of An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen, Crush in Willam Quinn Dovers directorial debut black and white romance Ciao Bella, Luke in Stuart Blues Discolight Vigil. Thank you, mom, for everything you do.
Nick Pardo – (Two-Bit Mathews) is thrilled to be working on one of his favorite stories with this passionate group of artists. His most recent and notable shows include Inanimate at Theatre Wit, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins at Strawdog Theatre Company, and Much Ado About Nothing at Warehouse PAC. He has worked as a movement coordinator for Muffed at Three Brothers Theatre as well as movement and puppetry captain for Strawdog Theatre. He enjoys singing, playing guitar, and the lakefront. He would like to thank his friends and family for their support and encouragement. IG: @pardonickpardo
Jamie McCalister – (Cherry Valance) is ecstatic to reprise the role of Cherry in our transfer to the Athenaeum Center. Previous credits include Iola Stover in Parade with Theatre Nebula, Viola De Lesseps/Thomas Kent in Shakespeare In Love, Molly Aster in Peter and the Starcatcher, Millie Owens in Picnic with Harper Ensemble Theatre Company, and Mary Jo Kinkaid in A Piece Of My Heart with Elgin Theatre Company. Jamie is a recent graduate of DePaul University where she received her Bachelor's degree in Communication and Media. Jamie would like to thank her family and friends for their love and support!
Bob DiLeo – (Bob Sheldon) is ecstatic to be making his Chicago theater debut reprising the role of Bob for the Chicago transfer! He has been doing theater since third grade, and since then has had the chance to play many iconic roles, such as Nostrodamus in Something Rotten!, Ram Sweeney in Heathers, John Adams in 1776, and Patchy the Pirate in The SpongeBob SquarePants Musical. Performing in The Outsiders has been more fun than a river bottom party, and he hopes you all have a (beer) blast at the show!
Joshua Dizon – (Randy Anderson/Darryl u/s) is excited to make his The Home Creative Co. debut in the historic Athenaeum Center with this historic show! Some of Joshua's previous theatre credits include Rent (Roger Davis), SpongeBob The Musical (SpongeBob SquarePants), Peter and the Starcatcher (Peter/Boy), and Newsies (Racetrack Higgins). He wants to thank his family, friends, and all those who came to see the show! He also wants to thank his friend, Gene, for reaching out to him on a random Saturday morning to tell him about this amazing opportunity and for introducing him to the director, Jonathan. We hope you enjoy the show!
Olivia Kaye Da Silva – (Marcia/Cherry u/s) is excited to continue working on this timeless story. Chicago Debut. Select credits - Theatre: The Prom (Up And Coming Theatre), Newsies (Music On Stage), An Ideal Husband (Goodly Creatures), Legally Blonde (Fremont Street Theatre), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Valeo), The Taming of the Shrew (Valeo). Film: Quality Check, Grace, Follow Spree. When Olivia is not on stage she covers everything about it on Instagram @oliviakayedasilva. A huge thank you to my family, friends, and Ryan.
Valentina Mariucci – (Sandy) is an Italian actress, singer and director who is excited to perform in the historic Athenaeum Center of Chicago for the first time. She graduated from Accademia ‘09 School of Performing Arts in Milan, Italy and in 2012 she started to perform as an actress and singer on very famous European stages, such as Teatro Filodrammatici of Milan, Teatro Princesse Grace of Montecarlo, Teatro Zelig Off of Milan, Teatro Manhattan of Rome. Among her most important roles, Valentina plays Eva Cassidy in Eva Cassidy, a biographical play dedicated to the belated American singer, and Anna Cappelli, main and only character of the one-woman-show A cena con Anna, based on the play Anna Cappelli by Annibale Ruccello. Other theatre credits include Bariona figlio del tuono (Angel), Quaggiù angeli del nostro tempo (Benedetta), La panchina (Line), In Panne (Simonetta), Segreti (Amanda), Cirkus Transit (Clown V), Frammenti di donna (Paola). As a director, she wrote and directed La luce del buio, based on the poetry collection La luce del buio, written by her and published in 2015. Valentina is also an acting coach, who created the workshop The Method International, freely inspired by the Strasberg Method, which she has been teaching in numerous schools and theatres all over the world, among which: The Chicago Actors Studio, Chicago, IL, USA; Teatro Las Sillas, Mendoza, Argentina; Edinburg Acting School, Edinburgh, Scotland; Cinestudio Paris School of Film and Media, Paris, France; Accademia Cinema Toscana, Lucca, Italy; Accademia Nico Pepe, Udine, Italy.
Brandon Guerrero – (Paul Holden) is excited to return to the role of Paul -after a brief hiatus- and rejoin the cast. He is also thrilled to be making his Chicago debut at the Athenaeum Center. A dedicated Shakespeare enthusiast, his past credits include Macbeth (Donalbain), and Love's Labour's Lost (Dumaine). He continues to study and perform Shakespearean plays locally. Brandon would like to extend his heartfelt gratitude to his family and friends who have supported his journey in theatre every step of the way.
Michael Kelley – (Jerry/Mr. Syme/Doctor u/s) is excited to appear on the Atheneum stage for the first time. Scott has appeared in more than 50 shows around Chicagoland. While primarily a musical theater actor, Scott relishes the opportunity to perform in a straight play once in a while. Favorite past shows include Assassins (Czolgosz) and Company (David) with point2Productions, The Producers (Stormtrooper Tenor) with Wheaton Drama, Deathtrap (Sidney), and Spamalot (Patsy) with BrightSide Theatre, The Beard of Avon (William Shakespeare) with Big Noise Theater, Something Rotten! (Nick Bottom), 1776 (John Adams), The Music Man (Harold Hill), The King and I (King), and My Fair Lady (Henry Higgins) with Rising Stars Theatre Company, The Mikado (Pish-Tush) with PaRiGaSS, Private Lives (Elyot Chase) at First Street Playhouse, Peter Pan (Captain Hook) and The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow) at Footlighters Des Plaines. and The Taming of the Shrew (Petruchio) with Elk Grove Performing Arts. Love to leading lady Staci, and his favorite production, Carson.
Julie Utrup-O’Nan – (Mrs. O’Brient/Nurse) moved to the Chicago area in 2020 and has been enjoying the incredible theater and screen industry that it offers. She has taken part in several short films and commercials but loves filling her free time with theater and the artistic outlet it affords. She takes every class she can find when in between projects. She most recently played Ouiser in Steel Magnolias and Lynette in Anything For You. She jumped at the opportunity to be a part of The Outsiders because of her love and nostalgia for the story. When she is not in the theater or on set she fills her days counting beans and has an unhealthy obsession with the show Friends.
William Athow – (Doctor/Jerry u/s/Mr. Syme u/s) is thrilled to be returning to this production as it makes its transfer to the marvelous Atheneum Center. William has a long list of credits. Some of his favorites include: Amadeus (von Strack), It’s A Wonderful Life (Freddie Filmore), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (Dr. Spivey), Chicago, the play (Billy Flynn), A Christmas Chaos (Scrooge), A Christmas Carol (Fred), Suite Surrender (Mr. Pippet), 12 Angry Men (Juror 12), A Few Good Men (Captain Whitaker), Dead Man's Cell Phone (Gordon), The Odd Couple (Vinny), & On Golden Pond (Bill Ray) to name a few. William has been a teacher for the past 32 years and has two sons Noah and Kyle.
Alistair Blevins – (Ensemble) is proud to continue working on this show for its Chicago transfer and to make their Chicago debut on the Athenaeum stage. Some of their other credits include Peter and the Starcatcher (Smee), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Peter Quince), & The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical (ensemble). Alastair would like to thank their friends & family for being with them on their acting journey.
Kennedy Carlson – (Ensemble) is beyond grateful to be a part of this production. Her credits include The Laramie Project (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre), Urinetown (District 214), Magdalena in The Craving, and Olivia in Twelfth Night. Thank you to God, Mom, Dad, the family, the gals, Michael, and Matt Byrne. Thanks for watching over me, Joseph Kvidera!
Ollie King – (Ensemble/Two-Bit u/s) is making his debut at the Athenaeum Center with The Outsiders! He has been in the ensemble for his school production of Mean Girls and was part of Mothering the Movement for Free Street Theater. He is, of course, excited for this show and can't wait to be a big shot at the Athenaeum!
Pratik Mamtora – (Ensemble/Paul u/s) lives by John Opie's saying, "Art is more Godlike than science. Science discovers; art creates." This is Pratik's debut with The Home Creative Co & is beyond thrilled to join the cast. His select credits include BYOT - Fly, Anastasia, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, Haunted Web, Following The Rules Of The Warrior’s Waltz, The Normal Heart, Disgraced, A Christmas Carol, Titanic, The Laramie Project, Ragtime, Guys & Dolls, Just So, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Sweet Charity, A Christmas Story: The Musical, Bollywood 101, The Whole Shebang; and, Don't Drink the Water. He has received accolades for his acting talents — the Best Witness Award from the American Mock Trial Association, the Ruby Award from Uni. of N Alabama & the Soul Award from TownSquare Players in Woodstock, IL. When not on stage Pratik serves as a digital content creator and social media specialist.
Angela Cusmano – (Marcia u/s) is excited to finally make her Chicago theater debut in The Outsiders! Passionate about costume design and a lifelong musical theater enthusiast, she is thrilled to be the understudy for Marcia in this production. Angela is excited to bring her love for the stage to this role and hopes you enjoy the show!
Michael Fosha – (Production Coordinator/Bob u/s/Randy u/s) graduated with his BFA and Musical Theater in 2018 then moved to New York to work in theaters with a residency program called Open Jar Institute. He immediately found himself on tour with Pinocchio playing Honest John, Sleeping Beauty playing the Prince, and Beauty and The Beast playing Beast. He soon after booked a theme park residency in the summer of 2019 at the Donley's Wild West Town which lead to his roll as Benny in In The Heights, propelling his relocation to Chicago. Michael came on as the Stage Manager for the first run of The Outsiders this summer and continued on with the project as it made its transfer to the Athenaeum Center. He is thankful to those who motivated and supported his journey in the arts.
Alexander Garcia – (Ponyboy/Johnny u/s) is excited to continue on as the understudy for both Ponyboy and Johnny as The Outsiders makes its Chicago transfer. Alex has been acting and singing professionally since he was 6 years old and is represented by Lily's Talent and Talent Group. Most recently, Alex portrayed Jim Quinn in the Lou Nominated Prodigal Son for which he received the 2023 Heartstrings Award for Most Meaningful Performance by a Young Person in a Male Role and was nominated for a Lou Award for Best Actor in a Play. Other credits include: Musicals/Plays- Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Joseph), Children of Eden- Cadillac Palace Theatre (Young Cain), Newsies (Jack Kelly), Les Misérables (Gavroche), James and the Giant Peach (James), The Little Mermaid (Flounder), Assassins (Billy). TV/Film- Christmas with Felicity (Daniel), Deadly Associates (Young Nick Seifert). ILMEA 2024 Allstate Chorus finalist. Numerous commercials and voiceovers. Many thanks to his amazing family, friends, teachers and directors.
Keaton Stewart – (Sandy u/s) is an American actor and artist represented out of New York & LA by MMG Model Talent and Celebrity Management. She earned her degree in Theatre, graduating Cum Laude from Valparaiso University in 2015. Studying abroad in London, furthered her love and passion for all facets of theatre. Now residing in Chicago, Keaton serves as a founding ensemble member of The Impostors Theatre Company. She has fulfilled the role of Creative Developer, Hair and Makeup Designer, and Character Costume Design. In 2022, Keaton played Eve in The Impostor's production of Hertha Nova, where she received a Jeff Nomination for Best Actor in a Principal Role. Keaton returns to the stage after ending a six year career working as an On Camera Event Host for Feld Entertainment’s Monster Jam.