A group of Tulsans traveled to New York City for the opening of “The Outsiders” musical on Broadway, based on the famous novel set in their Oklahoma town. They held a party serving hot dogs cut into bite-size pieces while discussing their pride in the story having national significance. Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum expressed excitement about the production’s Broadway debut, noting that the story resonates with people all over America and represents a source of pride for the city.
Bynum mentioned that the hope for the musical’s success is not based on tourism but rather on the pride the community feels towards the production. He also highlighted the growing entertainment options in Tulsa, including the BOK Center, Bob Dylan Center, Woody Guthrie Center, and the “Outsiders” House Museum. Mayor Bynum showcased the city’s cultural attractions and was excited about the increasing number of options available for residents and visitors in Tulsa.
President of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, Mike Neal, spoke highly of one of the show’s producers, Angelina Jolie, who visited Tulsa with her daughter and the cast and crew of the production. Jolie expressed admiration for the city, including its schools and drama program, expressing that her daughter would attend the school due to its offerings. Neal praised the cast as impressive young people, stating that they had won the hearts of the Tulsa community with their spirit and dedication.
Bill Knight, owner of the largest Ford dealership in Oklahoma and chairman-elect for the Tulsa Region Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of promoting Tulsa and its cultural attractions. He highlighted the significance of events like “The Outsiders” musical, the Bob Dylan Center, and the Woody Guthrie museum in showcasing the city’s cultural offerings. Knight emphasized the need to raise awareness about Tulsa’s cultural significance and encourage more people to consider visiting and experiencing what the city has to offer.
Overall, the Tulsans who attended the opening of “The Outsiders” musical on Broadway were proud of the production’s impact and representation of their city. They celebrated the story’s national significance and the city’s growing entertainment and cultural attractions. The visit to New York City was a way for the Tulsans to support the cast and crew of the production while showcasing the pride they feel for Tulsa and its rich cultural heritage. The journey was a testament to the community’s support for the arts and culture scene in Tulsa and its desire to continue promoting the city as a vibrant and dynamic cultural destination.
