Over 100 Tulsans Convene in NYC to Attend the Opening of ‘Outsiders’ Musical
Tulsa, Oklahoma may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about exciting cultural events, but a group of over 100 Tulsans recently proved that their city is full of surprises. These proud residents traveled all the way to New York City for the opening night of “The Outsiders” musical, a production based on the beloved novel set in Tulsa. It seems that Tulsans are truly awesome, and they made quite an impression on the Big Apple.
The Tulsans, including prominent figures like Chamber of Commerce chairman-elect and leading Ford dealer Bill Knight, stayed at the Hilton in Times Square during their visit. They even held a pre-show party where they served hot dogs cut into bite-size pieces and engaged in lively conversations about their beloved city. It was clear that these individuals were filled with pride as they eagerly anticipated the opening night of the musical.
The mayor of Tulsa, G.T. Bynum, who brought his teenage daughter along for the trip, expressed his excitement about the musical’s Broadway debut. He explained that the story of “The Outsiders” resonates with people all over America, not just in Tulsa. Bynum’s pride was evident as he discussed the significance of the story and its impact on both the local community and the nation as a whole.
When asked about the potential for tourism growth in Tulsa due to the musical, Mayor Bynum admitted that while it would be nice, the primary focus was simply on celebrating the achievement and showcasing the city’s cultural offerings. He mentioned that Tulsa has been working on expanding its entertainment options, particularly in terms of restaurants and concert venues. Bynum also highlighted attractions such as the Bob Dylan Center, the Woody Guthrie Center, and the “Outsiders” House Museum as must-visit locations for both locals and tourists.
Mike Neal, the president of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, was also in awe of the musical’s impact. He spoke highly of one of the show’s producers, Angelina Jolie, who had visited Tulsa with the cast and crew. Neal shared how Jolie was impressed by a local high school that has a drama program, stating that if she lived in Tulsa, her daughter would attend that school. Jolie’s endorsement further solidified the importance of the arts in Tulsa and showcased the city’s potential as a cultural hub.
Bill Knight, the owner of the biggest Ford dealership in Oklahoma and chairman-elect for the Tulsa Region Chamber of Commerce, expressed his support for promoting Tulsa’s cultural offerings. He mentioned not only “The Outsiders” musical but also the Bob Dylan Center and Woody Guthrie museum as unique cultural attractions that people often overlook when considering Tulsa.
Overall, the presence of over 100 Tulsans at the opening night of “The Outsiders” musical in New York City speaks volumes about their pride in their city and their commitment to showcasing its cultural richness. It is clear that Tulsa has much to offer in terms of entertainment, and with recent developments such as the musical and visits from renowned figures like Angelina Jolie, the city is poised to become a destination for those seeking unique cultural experiences. The Tulsans’ trip to New York City was not just about attending a musical; it was a celebration of their beloved city and its vibrant arts scene.
