The Outsiders
San Francisco
The Outsiders at the Orpheum Theatre Begins In
The Outsiders in San Francisco — December 2026 at the Orpheum Theatre
The four-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical arrives in San Francisco for a special holiday engagement running December 9 through 27, 2026 at the Orpheum Theatre. Based on S.E. Hinton's beloved 1967 novel — the same story that Francis Ford Coppola brought to the screen in 1983 with a cast of future Hollywood legends — The Outsiders translates Ponyboy Curtis's world of loyalty, class struggle, and teenage yearning into a thrilling stage experience featuring original music by Jamestown Revival and Justin Levine. The production swept the 2024 Tony Awards, earning Best Musical along with honors for Danya Taymor's direction, lighting design by Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim, and sound design by Cody Spencer. San Francisco theatergoers now have the chance to experience this acclaimed work during its extended three-week run as the season opener for ATG San Francisco's 2026-27 Broadway series at the Orpheum.
The Orpheum Theatre stands as one of San Francisco's most treasured performance spaces. Designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca and opened in 1926, the venue features an ornate Spanish Baroque interior with intricate plasterwork, gilded detailing, and a soaring auditorium that seats approximately 2,200 patrons. Located at 1192 Market Street in the heart of the city's Civic Center neighborhood, the Orpheum underwent a comprehensive $20 million renovation in 1998 that restored its original grandeur while adding modern production capabilities. For nearly a century, this theater has hosted some of the most significant touring productions to visit the West Coast, and The Outsiders continues that tradition as the marquee opening attraction of the new season. The venue's intimate sightlines and rich acoustics make it an ideal setting for a musical that depends on emotional immediacy and the raw energy of live rock-infused performance.
With a book by Adam Rapp and Justin Levine and choreography by Rick and Jeff Kuperman, The Outsiders brings Tulsa's greasers and Socs to life through dynamic staging and a score that blends folk, rock, and Americana. The national tour launched in September 2025 and has drawn critical praise at every stop for its powerful ensemble cast and inventive physical storytelling. San Francisco audiences can catch performances throughout the holiday season, making it an ideal alternative to traditional December entertainment. Whether you are a longtime fan of Hinton's novel, remember the iconic film, or are discovering the story for the first time through this Tony-winning stage adaptation, the Orpheum run offers something genuinely memorable.
Tickets for The Outsiders in San Francisco are available through authorized sellers and the official venue box office. Verified resale seats can also be found on BigStub, a trusted third-party marketplace with over 20 years of experience, no hidden fees, and a buyer guarantee backed by dedicated customer service. With a three-week run and multiple showtimes each week, there are plenty of opportunities to find a performance that fits your schedule — but premium seats for holiday-season Broadway tend to move quickly, so planning ahead is worthwhile.
Why The Outsiders Belongs on the Orpheum Stage
San Francisco has long been a city that champions bold, boundary-pushing storytelling — from the Beat poets to the counterculture movements of the 1960s to a contemporary theater scene that consistently embraces risk and innovation. The Outsiders fits squarely within that tradition. Adapted from S.E. Hinton's groundbreaking 1967 novel, the musical explores class division, youth identity, and the search for belonging through a lens that feels as urgent today as it did when a 15-year-old Hinton first put pen to paper in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Director Danya Taymor's staging strips away sentimentality in favor of visceral choreography by Rick and Jeff Kuperman, while the folk-rock score by Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) and Justin Levine gives Ponyboy's internal monologue a musical vocabulary that is both modern and deeply rooted in American tradition.
The production's journey to Broadway is itself a story worth telling. Developed through workshops and regional productions, The Outsiders opened on Broadway at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024, following a critically lauded world premiere engagement. The show earned four Tony Awards at the June 2024 ceremony, including the top prize of Best Musical — a remarkable achievement for a production built on independent creative instincts rather than a pre-existing franchise or blockbuster brand. The national tour, which launched from Dallas in September 2025, has introduced the show to audiences across the country, and San Francisco marks one of the most significant stops on the itinerary thanks to the Orpheum Theatre's reputation and the city's passionate theater community.
What sets the Orpheum apart as a venue for this particular production is the intersection of history and atmosphere. Built in 1926 during the golden age of American theater architecture, the Orpheum's Spanish Baroque interior — with its hand-painted ceilings, ornamental columns, and warm amber lighting — creates an immersive environment before the curtain even rises. The theater has hosted landmark touring productions for nearly a century, from early vaudeville acts to the original national tours of shows that defined modern musical theater. Its 2,200-seat capacity strikes a balance between grand scale and personal connection, ensuring that audiences in every section feel the emotional impact of a story about teenagers fighting for dignity and love in a world stacked against them.
The December 2026 engagement is particularly well-timed. As the season opener for ATG San Francisco's 2026-27 Broadway series at the Orpheum, The Outsiders sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting year of touring productions in the city. The extended three-week run — December 9 through 27 — spans the heart of the holiday season, offering Bay Area families, visitors, and theater enthusiasts an alternative to traditional holiday fare. Instead of sugar-plum fairies, audiences get switchblades and sunsets, greaser loyalty and Soc privilege, and a reminder that the bonds we choose are as powerful as the ones we are born into.
The full national tour schedule brings The Outsiders to venues across the country, including the San Diego Civic Theatre (November 3-8, 2026), Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City (November 10-15, 2026), the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco (December 9-27, 2026), Smith Center in Las Vegas, ASU Gammage in Tempe, Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, and Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. Each stop offers a distinct regional flavor, and the San Francisco engagement stands out for its combination of a legendary venue, a culturally engaged audience, and a run long enough to build genuine word-of-mouth momentum.
How to Buy The Outsiders San Francisco Tickets
Where can I purchase tickets for The Outsiders at the Orpheum Theatre?
Tickets may be available through the ATG San Francisco website, the Orpheum Theatre box office at 1192 Market Street, and authorized primary sellers such as Ticketmaster. For verified resale options, BigStub offers a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees and a buyer guarantee backed by over 20 years in the industry.
When does The Outsiders run in San Francisco?
The production plays the Orpheum Theatre from December 9 through December 27, 2026. The schedule includes evening performances at 7:30 PM and matinees at 1:00 PM on select dates. Check the Orpheum Theatre venue page for the most current performance calendar, as additional showtimes may be added based on demand during the holiday period.
What should I know about attending a show at the Orpheum Theatre?
The Orpheum is located in San Francisco's Civic Center district, easily accessible by BART (Civic Center station is one block away) and Muni. Street parking is limited, but several garages operate within walking distance on Grove and McAllister Streets. The theater opened in 1926 and underwent a major restoration in 1998, so expect gorgeous historic architecture with comfortable modern seating. Doors typically open 30 minutes before curtain, and the theater offers concessions in the lobby during intermission.
Are resale tickets for The Outsiders legitimate?
Yes, when purchased through a reputable resale platform. BigStub verifies every seller on its marketplace and provides a buyer guarantee that ensures your tickets are authentic and will be delivered in time for the performance. The company carries the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry and has served customers for more than two decades. If any issue arises, dedicated customer service representatives are available to help resolve it.
Can I resell my Outsiders tickets if my plans change?
Most resale platforms, including BigStub, allow ticket holders to list their seats for resale. If your holiday schedule shifts or you receive tickets as a gift and cannot attend, listing them on a verified marketplace ensures they reach another fan at a fair market price. Review the specific platform's listing policies and fees before posting your tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions — The Outsiders in San Francisco
What is The Outsiders musical about?
The Outsiders is a stage adaptation of S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel set in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma. It follows Ponyboy Curtis and his fellow greasers as they navigate class conflict, loyalty, and loss in a divided community. The musical features an original folk-rock score and won four Tony Awards in 2024 including Best Musical.
When does The Outsiders play the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco?
The production runs December 9 through December 27, 2026 at the Orpheum Theatre, located at 1192 Market Street in San Francisco's Civic Center neighborhood.
How long is The Outsiders musical?
The show runs approximately two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission. Evening performances typically begin at 7:30 PM, with matinees starting at 1:00 PM on select dates.
Who wrote the music for The Outsiders?
The score was composed by Jamestown Revival — the duo of Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance — along with Justin Levine, who also co-wrote the book with Adam Rapp. The music blends folk, rock, and Americana influences.
Who directed The Outsiders on Broadway?
Danya Taymor directed the production, earning the 2024 Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical. Choreography is by Rick and Jeff Kuperman, whose physically dynamic staging has been widely praised by critics.
Is The Outsiders appropriate for children?
The musical deals with themes of violence, class conflict, and loss that reflect the source material. Most productions recommend the show for ages 12 and up. Parents should use their own judgment based on their child's maturity level.
How do I get to the Orpheum Theatre by public transit?
The Orpheum is one block from the Civic Center BART and Muni station, making it one of the most transit-accessible theaters in San Francisco. Multiple Muni bus lines also serve the Market Street corridor directly.
Is there parking near the Orpheum Theatre?
Street parking is limited in the Civic Center area, especially during evening performances. Several public parking garages are located within a few blocks on Grove Street, McAllister Street, and near the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium. Arriving early or using public transit is recommended.
What other shows are part of ATG San Francisco's 2026-27 season at the Orpheum?
The Outsiders opens the 2026-27 ATG San Francisco Broadway season. The full lineup typically includes several major touring productions throughout the year — check the ATG San Francisco website for the complete schedule and subscription packages.
Can I buy group tickets for The Outsiders in San Francisco?
Group ticket packages are often available for parties of 10 or more through the venue's group sales office. Contact the Orpheum Theatre or ATG San Francisco directly for group pricing, availability, and any special benefits for large parties.
What makes BigStub different from other ticket resale sites?
BigStub is a third-party ticket resale marketplace with over 20 years of experience and the highest Trustpilot rating in the industry. Every seller is verified, there are no hidden fees, and all purchases are backed by a buyer guarantee with dedicated customer service.
Are there accessible seating options at the Orpheum Theatre?
Yes, the Orpheum Theatre offers wheelchair-accessible seating and companion seats. Contact the box office in advance to arrange accessible accommodations, assistive listening devices, or any other accessibility needs for your visit.
Will The Outsiders tour visit other cities in California?
The national tour includes a stop at the San Diego Civic Theatre in November 2026 before arriving in San Francisco in December. Additional California dates may be announced — check the official tour website for the latest schedule updates.
What should I wear to The Outsiders at the Orpheum?
There is no formal dress code for the Orpheum Theatre. Most attendees dress in smart casual attire, though you will see everything from jeans to business wear. Comfort is key, especially for a two-and-a-half-hour performance.
Can I buy a gift certificate for The Outsiders tickets?
While the show itself may not offer gift certificates, BigStub and other resale platforms allow you to purchase tickets on behalf of someone else. Tickets can typically be transferred electronically, making them a convenient holiday gift option during the December run.
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- 1192 Market Street
San Francisco, California 94102