GULF SHORES — South Baldwin Community Theatre has rolled back the curtain on their November production, "The Outsiders." The play is based on the 1967 novel written by S.E. Hinton.

Some may also remember the 1983 film adaptation, which featured a roster of popular teen "heart-throbs" including Matt Dillon, C. Thomas Howell, Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez and Leif Garrett.

"A searing story of real kids in real situations with real consequences seen through the eyes of Ponyboy and territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids and the underprivileged 'greasers,'" the show's official description reads. "This heroic story of belonging, friendship and maintaining hope in the face of struggle is a powerful reminder of what young people encounter everyday."

Brandi Wittman, director, said the show is comprised of an 18-member cast and is a part of the theater's young artist series that showcases younger actors ranging from ages 8 to 18.

"A lot of these kids came up through our kids shows, and we have watched them grow up," Wittman said. "It's a great vehicle for our older teens and graduates who aren't ready for adult roles yet."

Wittman said the young artist theater is a department within the SBCT family and tries to dedicate two to three shows to young artists per year.

"We are the only local community theater with a young artists program," Wittman said. "It's a place for them to feel safe, accepted and collaborate with other actors."

Wittman said she was excited to put on this show because it gives these young actors a chance to put on a more mature show.

"This is much more of a drama, and three people die in the show," Wittman said. " For a lot of the actors, it's their first foray into drama. They can't get by on being cute kids or elaborate costumes and sets; they have to really act."

Wittman said another unique aspect of the show is the staging, as much of the story is told through memories.

"Staging has been interesting since the entire story is memories; we didn't stage it very literally," Wittman said. "There are no complete sets, and it's very basic. Most of the story is done through acting; it's not very flashy."

Wittman said that while death and loss are some of the show's main themes, it has been rewarding to watch the actors integrate those emotions in their performance.

"A lot of these kids haven't felt these mature things before like having a best friend die or being tried for murder," Wittman said. "Watching these kids pull those emotions out from themselves and connect with a character even though may not relate has been a really cool experience."

Wittman also said the show is a chance for the younger kids to connect with a classic story that has been passed through generations.

"This is a great opportunity to support these kids in their artistic endeavor, and the story itself is one often read in schools, or some may remember the movie," Wittman said. "I think it's important to support young people and to see this new generation enjoying and relating to the same story told through generations is another cool aspect."

While the first weekend of performances have passed, there will be another chance to catch "The Outsiders" on Nov. 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 18-19 at 2:30 p.m.

For further ticketing information, visit www.sbct.biz.