Broadway beyond the stage: How The Outsiders inspired Omaha students

As much as we love a good show, one of the most important aspects of O-pa’s Broadway series is the opportunities it provides for our community to learn and be inspired. While patrons flocked to see The Outsiders Sept. 28–Oct. 4 at the Orpheum Theater, some of the most transformational moments were happening off-stage.

A full circle moment for Mekhi Payne

Just last year, this talented actor was representing Omaha South High School at O-pa’s Nebraska Theater Academy Showcase. As O-pa prepared to host one of the first stops of the first Broadway tour of The Outsiders, it was absolutely thrilling to hear that Mekhi Payne would return to the Orpheum stage, but this time as part of the touring cast!

“I genuinely never saw myself actually booking the show, but I’m glad I did,” Payne said. “It’s one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.”

Mekhi is a swing and understudies the roles of Two-Bit and Steve in the show. Mekhi didn’t get into theater until high school. He made a stop at his alma mater and shared this interview about how it feels to be back in Omaha and reflecting on how he found his way to the performing arts.

A master class for the record books

Mekhi also got to lead the kind of master class he himself attended while he was a part of the Nebraska Theater Academy program — with one difference. His had the largest attendance of any master class to date! On October 1, nearly 200 students from Nebraska schools — including Lincoln and Tekamah-Herman — packed Scott Hall at the Holland Center to learn choreography from The Outsiders.

The Stay Gold Project removes barriers to the arts

S.E. Hinton’s seminal novel The Outsiders is a story written by a teenager, about teenagers. To honor that legacy and elevate young voices, the Broadway production created the Stay Gold Project to ensure students can experience live theater, regardless of financial barriers. O-pa partnered with the Omaha Public Schools Foundation to identify students who could receive free tickets to the show while it was in Omaha. Thanks to the program, over 130 OPS students were able to attend!

In addition, following the Oct. 2 performance at the Orpheum Theater, approximately 80 students from Omaha South High School, Mercy High School, and Duchesne Academy participated in a special post-show talkback. Cast members — including Mekhi — shared personal stories about how they were cast, what life is like on a national Broadway tour, and offered behind-the-scenes insights into the rehearsal process and memorable moments from the show.

For many students, it was their first time seeing a Broadway production at the Orpheum, and the impact was palpable. Their excitement, curiosity, and thoughtful questions during the talkback reminded us all why access to the arts matters. It was more than a ticket — it was an open door to imagination, empathy, and possibility.