Tony Award-winning musical "The Outsiders" makes Philadelphia debut at the Academy of Music

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The winner of four Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the Broadway hit "The Outsiders" is making its Philadelphia debut.

From page to screen to stage, it's a story that's been a cult classic for almost six decades.

"It's the story we know and love from the book and the movie," says Emma Hearn, who plays Cherry Valance. "It's awesome to be part of such an iconic story."

Based on the beloved S. E. Hinton novel and the iconic Francis Ford Coppola film, the classic coming-of-age story is now an award-winning musical.

"It's got this beautiful folk Americana sound music that feels like a warm hug," says Hearn. "We've also got awesome choreography paired with fight sequences that are really incredible visually, and Tony Award-winning designers and directors. It's been such a gift working on this show."

Hearn is from Montgomery County. Cherry Valance is the girl caught between a rivalry between two gangs: the working-class "Greasers" and the wealthy "Socs."

For Hearn, this is a true homecoming.

"I joke that I think most of Montgomery County is coming to see the show while we're in Philly, which is, just so humbling," she says. "It's so awesome. I can't wait to bring this story home."

Hearn says she took a break from the industry and taught drama at her alma mater, Germantown Academy, for three years.

Her former students will be in the audience.

"I get emotional thinking about it," Hearn says. "Getting to have them see me perform. The whole time they'd be like, 'Miss Hearn, to go back to New York! You've got to perform.' It'll be really special."

John Peterson from Medford, New Jersey is also in the cast.

They are both taking the stage here in Philadelphia at the legendary Academy of Music.

The Outsiders runs now through June 7.

For tickets and more information, visit EnsembleArtsPhilly.org.