Broadway Insider’s Guide: Navigating the Big Apple with The Outsiders’ Dan Berry
In the two years since The Outsiders musical first set Broadway ablaze, the production has evolved into a visual and emotional powerhouse. At the heart of this evolution is Dan Berry, a performer who has witnessed the show’s journey from day one. Having originated the role of Paul Holden, Berry has now transitioned into a pivotal new role within the Greaser family.
Stepping Across the Tracks: Life in Tulsa and on Broadway
“I am currently performing in The Outsiders musical as Darrel Curtis,” Berry shares. “Darrel is the leader of the greasers and has to find a balance between his work and the demands of his family. He is forced into a fatherly role and, throughout the show, is constantly struggling with being a dad to his brothers at such a young age.” For Berry, the weight of the character is what makes the performance so resonant: “His pain is palpable, and almost everyone in the audience can think of a person in their life who resembles Darrel, which is why I think it’s such a strong and memorable role.”
The Road to the Big Stage
Berry’s journey to Broadway is a testament to the power of local theater and the drive to lead. After a fractured arm thwarted his 6th-grade plans to work the spotlight, he found himself on stage instead. Years later, after honing his craft in collegiate productions like Spring Awakening, a professional turning point arrived at North Shore Music Theater. “I did a new Elvis musical… where I played the role of the king himself,” says Berry. “I think having that credit made the casting crew for The Outsiders take me more seriously and gave them the confidence to give me a chance on the big stage!”
Now, he describes The Outsiders as a “memory musical” that captures the grit of 1967 Tulsa with a soulful, country-folk-inspired score. “Our show is a visual marvel with so much heart,” Berry explains. “There’s a lot of soul and a ton of grit. You can’t help but feel something when you step out of our show.”
A Local’s Perspective on the City That Never Sleeps
Transitioning from a rural town just ninety minutes away to the heart of the “New York City machine” was a formative experience for Berry. “I grew up more in my first weeks in the city than in my entire life,” he admits. “How fast this place moves and how many people live here, each with their own lives and stories—it’s an overwhelming thought.”
Despite the initial chaos of setting up utilities and navigating the noise, Berry has become a true New Yorker who finds charm in the city’s quirks. “Whenever I go back home, I get serious FOMO from being away,” he says. “This place has so much character and charm, and I really can’t imagine pursuing this career anywhere else.”
Dan’s Broadway Insider Tips
For those looking to explore the city like a pro, Berry offers practical wisdom mixed with a love for NYC culture:
- Navigation: “Google Maps is your best friend when it comes to navigating the subways,” and don’t be afraid to ask for help. “Despite what some think, I’ve found New Yorkers to be very friendly.”
- Must-See Landmarks: “You gotta go to the park—Central Park that is! I love the area around Bow Bridge. Seeing all the greenery with huge, gorgeous skyscrapers in the background is a view I will never get tired of.”
- Nightlife & Culture: Beyond seeing a show, Berry recommends the Color Factory, the Museum of Illusions, or the New York Comedy Club. For music lovers, he suggests heading to Smalls Jazz Club on West 10th Street to be “blown away by the talent.”
Dining Like a Greaser (or a Broadway Star)
When the curtain closes, Berry has a few go-to spots for a post-show meal. “I love Mexican food, and a recent spot that I’m always at after a show is Añejo on 10th,” he says. For those craving something traditional, he points to Playwrights Irish Pub near the theater for classic bar food, or The Ellington and Miss Nellie’s for a top-tier Steak Frites.
Ultimately, it is the sense of shared experience that keeps Berry enamored with his life in Manhattan. “Everyone who lives in the city shares that same experience,” he concludes. “New York City is a melting pot of different art, people, and cultures, and every nook of this city feels like it has a secret to tell and a lifetime of stories.”
Follow Dan on social media @danberry.j!
