Original cast members from “The Outsiders” (1983) are returning to celebrate where the road to making the film began.

The stars will be in Fresno for a screening and storytelling event at Fresno High School’s Royce Hall on Saturday.

The attending cast members are C. Thomas Howell (Ponyboy), Darren Dalton (Randy), and Leif Garrett (Bob).

The film’s director, Francis Ford Coppola, was inspired to make the film after 107 seventh and eighth graders at Lone Star School in Sanger Unified signed a petition.

The 1967 novel by S.E. Hinton has been a staple in American education for decades, and Lone Star librarian Jo Ellen Misakian and the students wished to bring it to the screen.

Misakian wrote a letter to Coppola, a prominent Hollywood director who had gained worldwide recognition after directing “The Godfather” (1972) and “The Godfather II” (1974). She included the petition and a copy of the book.

In a unique turn of events, Coppola kept in touch with the school throughout the production process. And students gave him notes, helping to create the iconic film.

Later, the cast visited Lone Star and screened the movie alongside students a week before its premier, celebrating the film’s connection with the school.

Now, the City of Fresno is dedicating Sept. 13 to “The Outsiders” and the film’s impact. At the screening, city representatives will give the proclamation to the cast.

Cast Members Visit Fresno Unified School

The visit will include a special meet and greet with Fresno Unified students at Farber Educational Campus on Friday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Also, the Farber students, spanning seventh to 12th graders, will have a question-and-answer session with the cast. The pupils are reading the book and watching the film.

Gina Vertson, a teacher at Farber, was one of the students who signed the petition years ago and was instrumental in creating this event, a Fresno Unified spokesperson said.

“The powerful themes of isolation and the desire to belong evident in ‘The Outsiders’ still connect with young people today, sparking meaningful conversations,” said Superintendent Misty Her. “We’re excited to welcome cast members to Fresno High and the Farber Educational Campus.”

‘The Outsiders’ Screening Event Details

The Stay Gold Foundation offers several different ticket options for the screening event, including meetings with cast members.

Howell started the nonprofit foundation to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and the arts. “Stay gold” is a phrase from “The Outsiders” meaning to stay true to yourself regardless of what life throws at you.

The ultimate VIP, priced at $200, includes early entrance, premium seating, a group photo with the cast, and signed memorabilia.

The event starts with the ultimate VIP check-in at 2 p.m., then meet and greet check-in at 3 p.m., and general entrance at 5:30 p.m.

Kick off for the event is at 7 p.m., and the movie begins at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available here.