The Outsiders
Tempe

A Tony-Winning Musical Meets a Frank Lloyd Wright Masterpiece

There is a fitting symmetry in bringing The Outsiders to ASU Gammage. Both the musical and the building share a lineage of defying convention — the show by earning Broadway's highest honor without the backing of a pre-existing franchise, and the auditorium by reimagining what a performance space could look like in the American Southwest. Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in the late 1950s, commissioned by ASU president Grady Gammage, and completed posthumously in 1964 — three years after Wright's death. The building draws on concepts Wright had explored in an unrealized opera house design for Baghdad, Iraq, adapting those ideas to the Sonoran Desert climate with characteristic boldness. Its circular footprint, open-air colonnades, and integration with the surrounding landscape established a template for mid-century performing arts architecture that influenced venues across the country.

The musical's journey parallels this spirit of invention. The Outsiders began as a workshop production before earning its Broadway premiere at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on April 11, 2024. The creative team — director Danya Taymor, book writers Adam Rapp and Justin Levine, and composers Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance) alongside Levine — built the show from the ground up rather than licensing an existing property. That independence paid off spectacularly at the 2024 Tony Awards, where the production took home four trophies: Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Lighting Design of a Musical (Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim), and Best Sound Design of a Musical (Cody Spencer). The choreography by Rick and Jeff Kuperman has been praised for transforming gang rumbles into athletic, almost balletic sequences that bring visceral energy to S.E. Hinton's narrative of teenage survival.

Tempe and the greater Phoenix metropolitan area bring a distinctive audience to this production. The Valley of the Sun is home to a growing arts and culture scene anchored by institutions like ASU Gammage, the Phoenix Theatre Company, and the Herberger Theater Center. ASU's campus community — one of the largest university student bodies in the nation — adds a youthful energy that aligns naturally with a story about teenagers fighting for identity and belonging. The January timing means comfortable desert evenings with temperatures that draw visitors from colder climates, making the engagement attractive to both local residents and winter visitors exploring Arizona's cultural offerings.

The national tour of The Outsiders visits a wide range of venues across the country, each offering its own character. Recent and upcoming stops include 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), Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center in Las Vegas (January 19-24, 2027), ASU Gammage in Tempe (January 26-31, 2027), Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque (February 9-14, 2027), and the Aronoff Center in Cincinnati (March 16-28, 2027). Among these, the Tempe stop is distinctive for placing a gritty Tulsa story inside one of America's most celebrated works of organic architecture — a juxtaposition that underscores the show's universal themes of beauty emerging from hardship.

How to Buy The Outsiders Tempe Tickets

Where can I purchase tickets for The Outsiders at ASU Gammage?

Tickets may be available through the ASU Gammage website, the venue box office at 1200 South Forest Avenue in Tempe, and authorized primary sellers such as Ticketmaster. For verified resale options, BigStub offers a trusted marketplace with no hidden fees, a buyer guarantee, and over 20 years of industry experience.

When does The Outsiders play at ASU Gammage?

The production runs January 26 through January 31, 2027. The schedule includes evening performances at 7:30 PM and matinees at 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM on select dates. Check the ASU Gammage website for the complete performance calendar and any updates to showtimes.

What should I know about attending a show at ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage is located on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe, accessible from University Drive and Mill Avenue. The venue has dedicated parking lots adjacent to the auditorium, and the Tempe campus is also served by Valley Metro light rail with the University Drive station within walking distance. Doors typically open 30 minutes before curtain. The auditorium's Frank Lloyd Wright design means every seat in the 3,017-capacity house offers clear sightlines, and the lobby areas feature mid-century architectural details worth arriving early to appreciate.

Are resale tickets for The Outsiders legitimate and safe?

Yes, when purchased through a verified resale marketplace. BigStub ensures every seller on its platform is vetted and backs all purchases with a buyer guarantee for ticket authenticity and timely delivery. The company holds the highest Trustpilot rating in the ticket resale industry and has served customers for more than two decades with dedicated customer service support.

Can I resell my Outsiders tickets if my schedule changes?

Most verified resale platforms, including BigStub, allow ticket holders to list their seats for resale. If your plans shift after purchasing, listing on a reputable marketplace ensures your tickets reach another fan at fair market value. Review each platform's listing policies and any applicable fees before posting your tickets for resale.

Frequently Asked Questions — The Outsiders at ASU Gammage

What is The Outsiders musical about?

The Outsiders is a Tony Award-winning musical adapted from S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel. Set in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma, it follows Ponyboy Curtis and his greaser friends as they face class conflict, violence, and the bonds of chosen family. The show features an original folk-rock score and won four Tony Awards in 2024.

When does The Outsiders play ASU Gammage in Tempe?

The production runs January 26 through January 31, 2027 at ASU Gammage, located at 1200 South Forest Avenue on the Arizona State University campus in Tempe.

How long is The Outsiders show?

The musical runs approximately two hours and 30 minutes including one intermission. Evening performances typically start at 7:30 PM with matinees at earlier times on select dates.

Who created the music for The Outsiders?

The score was written by Jamestown Revival — the folk-rock duo of Jonathan Clay and Zach Chance — along with Justin Levine, who also co-wrote the book with novelist and playwright Adam Rapp.

What Tony Awards did The Outsiders win?

The production won four awards at the 2024 Tony ceremony: Best Musical, Best Direction of a Musical for Danya Taymor, Best Lighting Design for Brian MacDevitt and Hana S. Kim, and Best Sound Design for Cody Spencer.

Who designed ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright as one of his final major public commissions. The auditorium was completed in 1964, five years after Wright's death, and features his signature organic architectural style with a distinctive circular form and desert-integrated design.

How many seats does ASU Gammage have?

ASU Gammage seats 3,017 patrons arranged in a fan-shaped configuration that Frank Lloyd Wright specifically designed for optimal sightlines and acoustics. Every seat in the house offers a clear view of the stage.

Is there parking at ASU Gammage?

Yes, ASU Gammage has dedicated parking lots adjacent to the auditorium on the ASU campus. Parking is typically included or available for a small fee on performance evenings. The venue is also accessible via Valley Metro light rail, with the University Drive station within walking distance.

Is The Outsiders appropriate for teenagers?

The musical is generally recommended for ages 12 and up. It deals with themes of class conflict, gang violence, and loss that are consistent with the source novel, which is widely taught in middle and high school curricula. Parents should use their judgment based on their child's maturity.

What other shows are in the ASU Gammage 2026-27 season?

The Desert Financial Broadway Across America-Arizona 2026-27 season includes The Phantom of the Opera, Water for Elephants, The Outsiders, Operation Mincemeat, Buena Vista Social Club, Boop! The Musical, The Sound of Music, and Death Becomes Her, plus season options like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Beetlejuice.

Can I take the light rail to ASU Gammage?

Yes, ASU Gammage is accessible via the Valley Metro light rail system. The University Drive and Rural Road station is within walking distance of the venue. This is a convenient option for attendees coming from downtown Phoenix, Mesa, or other points along the light rail line.

What makes BigStub a trusted ticket marketplace?

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 come with a buyer guarantee and dedicated customer service.

Are there dining options near ASU Gammage?

ASU Gammage is located near Mill Avenue in downtown Tempe, which offers dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars within a short walk. The Mill Avenue District is one of the most popular dining and nightlife areas in the Phoenix metro, making it easy to enjoy dinner before the show.

Can I purchase group tickets for The Outsiders at ASU Gammage?

Group ticket packages are generally available for parties of 10 or more through the ASU Gammage group sales office. Contact the venue directly for group pricing, availability, and any special benefits for large parties.

Where else is The Outsiders touring in the Southwest?

The national tour includes stops at Reynolds Hall at The Smith Center in Las Vegas (January 19-24, 2027) immediately before the Tempe engagement, and Popejoy Hall in Albuquerque (February 9-14, 2027) shortly after. Check the official tour website for the full itinerary.