Brody Grant on His Dream Broadway Debut as Ponyboy and The Outsiders’ 12 Tony Nominations

In an exclusive interview with Vanity Teen, Brody Grant shares his experience making his Broadway debut as “Ponyboy” in the hit musical, The Outsiders. Describing it as “an absolute dream come true,” Brody expresses his love for the show and his gratitude for being part of such a special production. Reflecting on the recent 12 Tony Award nominations, he feels honored and proud of the recognition from the community. Brody also discusses his journey into musical theater, the inspiration from his sister, and the transformative impact of the arts on his life. He talks about his preparation for the role and his admiration for Angelina Jolie, one of the show’s producers.

Brody, what has it been like for you to make your Broadway debut in the starring role of “Ponyboy” in the hit new musical, The Outsiders?

An absolute dream come true – I love this show and this company with all my heart. I’m very blessed to get to be a part of it.

Both and your show have just been nominated for 12 TONY awards. Congratulations on such tremendous recognition! How does that feel?

There are so many amazing pieces of art that are never recognized by awards. So many times albums, shows, or movies show up on the scene and aren’t given their roses until later on. That being said, it is a real gift to feel confident in the work that we put into the Outsiders, as well as receive that nod from the community. I’m also really honored to be in a category full of so many legends who I have looked up to.

What led you to discover your passion for musical theater and what was your first experience with it growing up?

My sister! I had moved to GA and I was a bit of a loner. I had trouble connecting and didn’t have any passion in life. But then, my mom advised me to look at what my sister had always been interested in the arts. I auditioned for SEUSSICAL JR. at my middle school and had the time of my life (but wouldn’t admit it). I got in the show but I skipped my first rehearsal. My sister made sure I got to every rehearsal after that – and eventually, I just couldn’t hide the fact that I loved it. Been acting, dancing, songwriting, and singing ever since.

In The Outsiders you play a teenager in Tulsa in 1967, what were you like in your teen years, were there any similarities between you and your on-stage character?

Definitely. I think in high school I generally felt pretty outside of it all. The only time I didn’t was when I was in my chorus and theatre classes. Just like Ponyboy, I found escape and solace in the arts.

For those young people who haven’t had a lot of exposure to musical theater or Broadway, what do you think makes this medium so special?

This medium is special because if done right, it has all the elements that an amazing film contains, combined with the live energy exchange of a concert.

Do you have any musical theater heroes or heroes in general that you aspire to be like or model aspects of your career after?

Donald Glover is the main one I think of because he does it all. And that’s my plan. Movies, albums, fashion, art. I love it all.

What is your favorite Broadway musical of all time and what about it speaks to you?

THE OUTSIDERS because it saved my life. “Finding beauty in the fold, it’s the only way to keep from growing old.” At the time I joined the show, I needed to hear that.

Are there any musical theater roles you are itching to play in the future?

If they ever made a movie of SPRING AWAKENING, I’d want to play Melchior or Moritz. That would be so clutch!

You’re now playing the title role of “Ponyboy” in The Outsiders on Broadway. Some so many people grew up reading the beloved 1967 coming-of-age novel by S.E. Hinton or having seen the famous 1983 Francis Ford Coppola Film which launched some of Hollywood’s biggest stars: Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze, Ralph Macchio, Rob Lowe, Diane Lane. What was your relationship like with the novel or film before being in the Broadway show adaptation?

My mom gave me her annotated copy of the book to read when I was 14. It was the first book I was genuinely invested in. I remember sitting on the floor of my science building and cracking open the book and sort of having a spiritual connection to it. I just understood who these brothers were. Sometimes moments in life stick with you and you can’t know why until you’re suddenly making the Broadway adaptation of the story that moved you.

For those who may be unfamiliar with the novel and the film, how would you explain to them what the story of The Outsiders is all about?

THE OUTSIDERS tells the story of a group of young people trying to find their way in a world that doesn’t accept them. The story involves several themes: chosen family, resilience of spirit, vulnerability inside of masculinity, and not judging a book by its cover. And I can promise to anyone reading, that there will be something in this story that resonates. I’m so excited and honored that this version of THE OUTSIDERS will be someone’s intro to the story.

Can you share a favorite moment or scene from the show?

Performing the rumble in the show is an amazing moment that I yearn to watch. It’s more than just a really dope fight sequence. To me, it feels like an embodiment of the war going on between Ponyboy’s heart and mind. He’s fighting for his best friend Johnny Cade, while also questioning if fighting is the right thing to do at all.

How did you prepare and connect with your character of Ponyboy?

I visited Tulsa for a week and stayed on the East side. I was able to connect with the author of the novel Susie Hinton and ask her a ton of questions. I walked around all the different parts and got acclimated. I read a lot of poetry, watched a lot of Paul Newman films, and read a few other novels of Susie Hinton’s, like TEX and ‘That Was Then This Is Now’.

Angelina Jolie is one of the lead producers of your show, how has it been to work with her?

It’s been a gift. She’s a generous artist. I remember I was struggling with a sequence in the show, and I stood there with our brilliant director Danya Taymor, and Angelina and just asked them questions. She’s one of the best actresses alive, so to have the chance to speak with her openly, artist to artist is a real blessing.

What is the most challenging part of performing a Broadway show like The Outsiders 8 times per week and what is the most rewarding?

The most challenging part physically is the rumble. I’d say one of the most rewarding moments is at the very end when I’m able to share the book with someone in the audience. The hope that shows up in that stranger’s eyes is a beautiful thing.

Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines that help get ready to perform the show each day?

I say a prayer with castmates sometimes. I also have an autographed picture of Paul Newman in my dressing room. I think about the first line that starts the novel as well as our show, the line that mentions him. I look at the picture and I say “Thanks, Paul.” And then I go out there on the stage and start writing!

Outside of your work as an actor, do you have any other big passions or hobbies?

Heck yes. I write music and I’m excited to get to work on my album. I also have some designs in my head for recycled clothing and I’m excited to start bringing them to life.

Anything else you would like to share or plug with Vanity Teen before you go?

Here’s a list of dream collaborators. I figured I’ll take this chance to just say thank you for inspiring me.
Daniel Caesar, Dijon, Young The Giant, Wes Anderson, Adele, Bruno Mars, Chris Stapleton, Jon Bellion, Anderson Paak, Greta Gerwig, Martin Scorsese, Leon Bridges, Yebba, Francis Ford Coppola, Bob Dylan, Porter Robinson, Beyoncé, Quentin Tarantino, Jay-Z, SZA, Dominic Fike, Travis Scott, Frank Ocean, Taylor Swift, Cage The Elephant, Baz Luhrmann, The Doobie Brothers, The Safdie Brothers, Pharrell, and many more.

Nicole Wilson, an award-winning photographer and creative director, was raised in the Broadway theater community. She captures the essence of theater performers, influenced by her Broadway actor father. Her portfolio includes collaborations with top fashion and entertainment magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and work with luxury brands and celebrities.

Creative Director: Nicole Wilson | @NicoleWilsonPhoto, @NicolewilsonNYC
Photographer: Nicole Wilson | @NicoleWilsonPhoto, @NicolewilsonNYC
Talent: Brody Grant | @Brody_Grant
Photographer’s Assistant: Jillian McHugh | @photo.jilliangrace
Photographer’s Assistant: Ella Cochrane | @Ellasofiafashion
Wardrobe Stylist: Karilyn Prisco | @Karilyn_prisco
Assistant Stylist: Malcolm Cannon | @Maxedout11
Assistant Stylist: Sanford McCoy | @a_r_g_o__k_n_o_t_s
Makeup Artist: Taylor Levitan (Taylor Rose Beauty | @Tayonmyface
Hair Stylist: Mariah Molina | @Hairbymariah11
Retoucher: Olya Kay | N/A
Studio: Young Studios NYC | @YoungstudiosNYC

Twelve Tony Nominations

“The Outsiders” is currently nominated for 12 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. The musical also has nominations for Best Leading Actor in a Musical (Brody Grant) and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (Joshua Boone and Sky Lakota-Lynch), among others.

Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1967, the musical follows Ponyboy Curtis, his friend Johnny Cade, and their Greaser family as they clash with the affluent Socs. It explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and belonging, highlighting the Greasers’ dreams in a world that often rejects them. A dynamic original score complements the story.

Tickets can be purchased at Telecharge.com, by calling Telecharge, or at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre box office. More information is available at www.OutsidersMusical.com.

The production boasts an impressive creative team, including scenography by AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian, costume design by Sarafina Bush, and lighting design by Brian MacDevitt. It also features sound design by Cody Spencer and projection design by Hana S. Kim, among others. Matt Hinkley directed the musical and provided additional orchestrations.

Produced by The Araca Group, American Zoetrope, and others, with co-producers such as Betsy Dollinger and Jonathan & Michelle Clay, “The Outsiders” premiered at La Jolla Playhouse in March 2023, receiving praise from both the Los Angeles Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune.