Working with a young and boisterous – or is that boysterous? – cast, Dinah Manoff directs the coming-of-age classic, “The Outsiders,” for two weekends at BPA.

The play, based on the book written by then 15-year-old S.E. Hutton, is set in a small town in the heart of America. And though written 50 years ago, its themes still apply: bullying, dealing with differences, loyalty to family and friends. The book has been controversial since it was published, mainly for its depiction’s of gang violence. BPA’s play doesn’t pull any punches there, with Lee Ann Hittenberger choreographing the fight scenes essential to the story, indeed, the lives of the “outsiders.” Manoff, as Hutton did, hopes the provocative themes will “spark dialogue among audience members, young and old.”

Ryan Henesey plays Ponyboy, youngest of three brothers orphaned when their parents die in a car crash. Eli Pilatsky plays his brother Sodapop,  and Ryan O’Donnell plays Darry, the boys’ older brother. Micah Bobiak plays the pivotal role of Johnny and Payten Marshall as Dallas adds brooding tension.

A three-piece band, featuring Morgan Leader (guitar and vocals), Matt Van Dyke (bass guitar) and Jeremy Binder (drums), provide the rough-and-tumble soundtrack throughout the show.

Period costuming, with its leather and denim emphasis, was handled by Emily Kight.