Kevin Ryan, a Broadway producer and member of The Sheen Center board of directors, won his third trophy at the 77^th Tony Awards. Ryan is a producer of “The Outsiders,” which won Best Musical at the June 16 ceremony.

An adaptation of the classic novel by S.E. Hinton and film by Francis Ford Coppola, “The Outsiders,” focuses on the chosen group of outcasts fighting for survival and acceptance in 1967 Tulsa, Oklahoma. The production won four Tony Awards overall.

In addition to producing award-winning musicals, Ryan serves on the board of directors for The Sheen Center, the art and cultural center of the Archdiocese of New York. The center is a “venue where art and spirituality meet,” according to its website. Previously Ryan served for over a decade as the CEO of Covenant House, which provides housing and support services to youth facing homelessness and survivors of human trafficking.

We spoke to the producer about his experience bringing this classic story to the Broadway stage, as well as the role his faith has played throughout his career.

Q: “The Outsiders” is a classic story and film but had never been brought to life on Broadway. What was the experience like bringing such a well-known story to this format?

A: The credit here goes to the producers, Angelina Jolie, Hank Unger, Matt Rego, and Mike Rego, who brought together a powerhouse creative team — Jamestown Revival, Justine Levine, Adam Rapp, and Danya Taymor — to tell a story about kids on the streets, struggling to survive and find love in the world against the elements. And the show brings those elements to the stage in an unprecedented way — fire, rain, wind, darkness. You’ve never seen anything like “The Outsiders.” 

Q: I know you’ve won awards for Broadway revivals – how did it feel to be honored with a Tony for an original production like “The Outsiders”?

A: “The Outsiders” is one of the most visually astonishing and heartfelt musicals I’ve ever seen. The story, the music, the performances are stunning. The real win for me is to be a part of the producing team that has the privilege of bringing this show to audiences on Broadway. And I get to do it with several of my closest friends, including my best friend from college (The Catholic University of America) Al Gough and his wife Beth Corets. 

Q: How has your faith impacted your work, both as a Broadway producer and in your work with the Sheen Center and previously with Covenant House?

A: Susie Hinton wrote “The Outsiders” nearly 60 years ago, long before there was a place called Covenant House, but she was writing about kids I would meet over and over again during the last three decades at Covenant House. Young people fend for themselves because of family trauma, trying to find a place to call home, ultimately finding it with one another.

In so many ways throughout his life, Jesus was the great noticer, going to the margins to find those who are outcasts, hungry, and homeless. And that’s where this gripping story of “The Outsiders” is set – on the margins. “The Outsiders” gets us to notice these kids and ultimately fall in love with them.

“The Outsiders” is currently playing at the Jacobs Theatre.